Hyderabad, Aug 09: The 410 year-old historic city of Hyderabad today made a tryst with modern mass transport system with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani flagging off Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) train at a colourful function at Secunderabad railway station here.
Terming the project as an "unique symbol of synergy, initiative and innovation," Advani said it was first time in the country that railways and a state government came together to take up mass transport system, sharing the cost equally.
"It is a very significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. It also shows the inherent potential of the country that needs to be tapped," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Rs 162 crore joint venture project between railways and Andhra Pradesh government, MMTS is the first mass transport system that seeks to integrate rail infrastructure with a strong road service network to provide an affordable and efficient commuter transport system.
The project involves linking two streams Secunderabad- Hyderabad-Lingampalli and Secunderabad-Falaknuma, with a total length of 43.5 km.

Under the first phase, which was inaugurated today, ten new stations were constructed and six other existing stations strengthened along the 28.5 km route at a total cost of Rs 69.65 crore, shared equally by the railways and Andhra Pradesh government.
The second phase on Secunderabad-Falknuma route, stretching a length of 14.54 km, would be completed by the end of this year, Railways Minister Nitish Kumar said.
Bureau Report