The Hyderabad Airport Metro Ltd (HAML) has taken firm action by starting the tendering process to choose qualified consultants who will be tasked with the essential work of preparing Preliminary Project Reports (PPRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the planned metro extensions.

Divided into four packages a total of 12 corridors covering 278 km and 8 extension corridors and 4 corridors all along the Outer Ring Road— a maximum of two packages will be given to each successful consulting firm. The deadline for submission of tenders is August 28, and consulting firms will be chosen early the following month.

Within two months, the chosen consultants must first submit their PPRs. They will have to conduct traffic surveys, forecast travel demand, estimate ridership, socio-environmental assessment, analyse alternatives and recommend viable public transportation modes in the PPRs.

In another three months, the consultants will prepare the DPRs, which will include information on the civil structures of the Metro Rail, the planning of the stations and depots, multi-modal integration, the supply of electric power, signaling and train communication, the train operation plan, the coaches, cost projections, financial analysis and the fare structure.