Hyd’s IT corridor gives thumbs up to carpooling

Hyderabad: Day after chief minister A Revanth Reddy mooted the idea of carpooling to beat congestion, residents said that it could be a key alternative mode of transportation for Hyderabad — especially along its IT corridor. Already, the steady influx of workforce coupled with limited availability of buses or even Metro in the area, has led to an increasing number of professionals turning to carpooling. Many have subscribed to groups on social media platforms, signed up with carpooling apps or created informal groups to avail of this facility.Experts say that if implemented well it can not only address commuting woes but also curb traffic woes and rising pollution levels to some extent.Saves money, fuel"We save up on fuel, time, energy, and always have company. Due to this, instead of five cars jamming the road, we just have one," said Balaji Subramanian, a resident of Kompally who started a carpooling chat group in 2017. He travels to Financial District every day and shares a ride with at least 4 people.This sentiment is shared by several such ‘carpoolers' who are finding it both convenient as well as easier on the pocket. The trend has now gained momentum in areas connected by the Outer Ring Road (ORR), where professionals are forming community-based carpooling groups.Naushad Rajwani, who works in the financial district, explained his shift from commercial platforms to informal arrangements. "We first tried carpooling using different apps, but they used to charge a fee for availing their services," he said. "So, a group was created for like-minded people to carpool."Such informal carpooling networks have now flourished through chat groups and local community apps, especially among professionals travelling from residential hubs in Secunderabad and LB Nagar to the Hi-Tec City-Gachibowli-Financial District stretch.Experts said that though gradual, carpooling can push the needle towards better roads. "It can solve up to 2% of traffic issues by reducing vehicular density. This is a scenario worldwide, though in developed countries it goes up to 10%," said Velmurugan S, chief scientist and head of the traffic engineering and safety division at the Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi. "In a city like Hyderabad, longer distance in the greater metropolitan area can be covered with ease using carpooling."Networking opportunityMeanwhile, those subscribing to such rides said how it just saves time and money but also doubles up as a networking opportunity, users said. "It is a great way to meet new people," said Subramanian, adding that he witnessed several success stories emerging from these shared rides. "I have seen people getting job offers in car rides, making new friends, and networking."Rajwani also highlighted the geographical advantage that makes carpooling particularly effective in his area. "One advantage of our area is that both our residences and offices are connected to the ORR, so that makes the drive easier and faster, and splitting the toll and fuel charges helps everyone," he notes. The standard charge has settled at around ₹150 per ride, according to Rajwani.The movement has also expanded beyond daily commutes, with many utilising certain mobile app platforms for weekend trips to districts like Warangal and Karimnagar to visit their hometown by carpooling. This saves not just fuel expense for the vehicle owner but also lets people make new friends from their own districts.