Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 To Add 123 km To Network
With the proposed expansion expected to take the Metro network beyond 200 km over the next five to six years, Hyderabad Metro Rail is also exploring Personal Rapid Transit to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
Hyderabad’s Metro Rail network is set for a significant expansion, with the Telangana government proposing an additional 123 km under Phase 2. The expansion is expected to improve connectivity across some of the city’s most densely populated areas, ease traffic congestion and strengthen public transport as Hyderabad continues to grow.
The existing Metro network spans 69 km, which is relatively limited for a city of Hyderabad’s size, says Ajith Reddy, Additional Managing Director of Hyderabad Metro Rail.
“The government has taken as its highest priority to see that Metro Phase 2 is commenced. To this effect, 123 kilometres has been proposed. Soon, we will be seeing the works commencing in the Old City areas from MGBS to Chandrayangutta,” he says.
Ajith Reddy expects the Hyderabad Metro network to see considerable expansion over the next five years, with the proposed additions taking the total network close to or beyond 200 km. The expansion is expected to absorb a larger share of the city’s growing traffic, particularly as the proposed routes pass through some of its densest areas.
The impact could also be reflected in ridership. Hyderabad Metro currently records an average daily ridership of around 4.75 lakh passengers. Reddy expects this figure to double once the remaining network is constructed and opened to the public.
Alongside network expansion, the Hyderabad Metro is looking at improving last-mile connectivity, which remains an important part of making public transport more accessible. One of the options under consideration is a Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS).
“The Hyderabad Metro is considering the Personal Rapid Transit System. The technology assessment and traffic study have already been completed. Maybe in another month or so, we would like to go for an RFP in this regard,” he says.
The proposed system is expected to complement the existing Metro network by addressing connectivity beyond the stations. Public-private partnerships could play a role in developing such additional transport systems.
The first phase of Hyderabad Metro was successfully developed through the PPP model. However, as the city moves towards the next phase, the government is taking over Phase 1 from L&T to facilitate a smooth transition.
“Having said that, especially in terms of last-mile connectivity, public-private partnerships are going to be very important. Other modes of transport like PRT and related systems can definitely be developed in PPP mode,” he says.
Metro expansion is also being viewed alongside other infrastructure initiatives, including elevated corridors being constructed by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority and road-widening projects in different parts of the city.
For Reddy, the next phase is about creating a more extensive public transport network that can accommodate Hyderabad’s growing travel requirements. With the proposed expansion, the city is looking at a Metro system that can serve a much larger population and take some of the pressure off its increasingly congested roads.