Hyderabad: Several commuters are requesting that Metro Rail services be operated till late in the night at least on weekends, considering the increased connectivity to bus stations. With the LB Nagar-Ameerpet corridor becoming operational last week, connectivity has been established to MGBS, Nampally, Dilsukhnagar, LB Nagar, Parade Ground (JBS) and Secunderabad stations. Over the weekends people often go out of town and have therefore requested more trains.
City resident Mr K. Srinivas, who takes the Metro from KPHB to Prakashnagar, said, “Considering the number of holidays and the the festive season ahead, the frequency of Metro trains at night should be increased.”
Currently, the last train leaves all terminals at 10.30 pm. Hyderabad Metro Rail Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy had said recently that the number of services would be increased if there was commuter demand.
Several requests have poured in even online. Techies from Hitec City are hopeful that the services will be extended considering the night life of Cyberabad.
Ms V. Lalitha, who travels from Tarnaka to Hitec City, said, “I work in the afternoon shift from 1.30 pm to 10.30 pm. I hope that the services from December will run till 11.30 pm as the Metro Rail is a safe mode of transport.”
A Metro Rail official said that once the passenger numbers at all corridors have stabilised, they could consider time extension.
The official said, “Train timings are based on commerce and viability. Definitely, if there is an increase of footfalls late at night, we will increase the services. Considering the huge loans taken by L&T to build the project, the financial aspect comes into picture when considering requests to extend services.”
“As and when the demand is there and utilisation is more, Metro Rail services will be increased,” the official added.
Officials also noted that maximum operation timings depends on the economics of people's usage and viability.
