Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) seeks strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to advance innovation and sustainability in metro infrastructure projects. This initiative was announced during the Sustainable and Green Cities conference held recently in Hyderabad, where N.V.S. Reddy, Managing Director of HMRL, delivered a keynote address.

According to a report by The Hindu (July 2025), Reddy called on IITs and other research institutions to collaborate on future metro projects by contributing novel, science-backed solutions to urban development challenges. He stressed that fostering synergy between government agencies, academia, and private industry is crucial to creating resilient and environmentally responsible urban spaces.

Reddy outlined several pillars essential for sustainable urban growth, including robust public transport systems, green waste management practices, rainwater harvesting, flood mitigation, and the protection of natural water bodies. He also emphasised the importance of inclusive infrastructure, particularly affordable housing near transit corridors.

Highlighting the Hyderabad Metro’s achievements, Reddy noted that the system has received more than 350 national and international awards for its energy-efficient operations and green design. The metro rail network, operated by L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd, is widely recognised as one of India’s most sustainable urban transit systems, integrating solar energy use, energy-efficient stations, and last-mile connectivity solutions.

The push for academic partnerships comes amid Asia’s growing infrastructure demands. According to the Asian Development Bank’s 2017 report, Meeting Asia’s Infrastructure Needs, the continent requires over $43 trillion in infrastructure investments by 2035. By tapping into the research capabilities of premier institutions like the IITs, HMRL aims to meet these demands through scalable and sustainable solutions.

This move reflects a broader trend in the region to leverage academic insights to improve infrastructure outcomes. With metro systems expanding rapidly in Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad, HMRL’s collaboration model may serve as a blueprint for other cities seeking to align innovation with sustainable development goals.