The Telangana government is exploring a pod-based transport system to improve last-mile connectivity for commuters using the Hyderabad Metro. Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has initiated steps to assess the feasibility of introducing an automated personal rapid transit (PRT) network in the city, signalling official interest in a new feeder option.

The proposed system would use small battery-operated pods designed to carry four to six passengers each and could collectively handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour. The pods are intended to link metro stations with nearby residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas, helping to bridge the gap between stations and commuters' final destinations. The design aims to offer frequent short trips with minimal waiting.

To move the plan forward, HMRL floated a tender to appoint a consultant for a techno-economic feasibility study and the selected agency will be responsible for preparing the system design. The consultant will also oversee the bidding process for implementation, allowing the authority to evaluate technical, operational and financial parameters before committing to construction. The study will also examine integration with existing station layouts and ticketing arrangements.

The pilot corridor is proposed along the Raidurg–Kukatpally stretch and would cover several busy locations including Raidurg, Hi-Tec City, Financial District and Secretariat. The route is expected to serve dense employment and residential clusters where last-mile gaps are most pronounced and could provide a focused test bed for operational protocols.

Officials see the automated PRT as a complement to existing mass transit rather than a replacement, offering on demand feeder mobility that could reduce short car trips and ease pressure on station access. Further work on the feasibility study and subsequent procurement will determine timelines, costs and the scale at which the system may be rolled out. Stakeholders will review the study findings before final decisions are taken.