Hyderabad metro ridership plateaus as Phase Two expansion looms

Hyderabad Metro Ridership Stagnates Despite Traffic Congestion

Massive traffic congestion on the roads has not led to a significant increase in demand for Metro train services in Hyderabad.

Despite calls to expand the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) network under proposed Phase Two, ridership on the 69.2-km first phase has plateaued in its eighth year of operations. After reaching a peak of five lakh passengers a day in 2022, this number is now only occasionally met. Metro Rail sources report that daily ridership remains between 4.50 lakh and 4.75 lakh.

The stagnation has led to operational changes. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH) recently withdrew night services introduced last year due to ‘poor patronage’. “Night services were extended on a pilot basis until 11:45 p.m. for about six months, but the final trains were running almost empty. So, the last service was shifted back to 11 p.m. However, the mandated 125 train hours a week are being operated,” sources said. Trains start at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on Sundays.

The question arises: when main roads are congested late into the night and cab/bike aggregators are busy, why are more commuters not choosing the metro? Officials and passengers point to familiar issues. First and last-mile connectivity remains the biggest barrier. “It often costs double the metro fare just to reach our destination, whether by auto, taxi, or bike,” says Prasad, a regular commuter.

Partnerships with start-ups providing electric bikes and autos collapsed during the COVID lockdown. The limited options now available at a few stations do not meet individual drop-off needs. Poor pedestrian infrastructure adds to the problem. “Footpaths are broken, dirty, or simply non-existent. Most stations don’t have proper parking facilities. Walking to or from the station is a hassle,” says Shekar, another commuter.

While metro stations are bright, clean, and secure, the civic infrastructure around them often shows neglect. Broken curbs, dark patches, dirty footpaths, open urinals, and pavements doubling as night shelters make the last stretch of the commute uninviting, points out Rama, a frequent user.

Peak-hour crowding, especially on the Blue Line, has pushed some commuters to other modes of transport. The withdrawal of fare discounts and delays in introducing a common ticketing system that integrates RTC, MMTS, and metro services have further dampened ridership, sources admit.

Officials attribute the decline in metro and MMTS patronage to free bus travel for women but remain uncertain why other commuter groups have not returned in expected numbers.

With L&TMRH expected to exit this year, the responsibility now shifts to the government. Procuring new train sets, implementing the National Common Mobility Card, and improving station-level amenities are seen as immediate priorities.

“There has to be a collective effort involving GHMC, Transport, and Police departments. IT/ITES firms should stagger office timings until new trains arrive. Ridership will certainly rise with better frequency and network expansion under Phase Two,” officials say.