HYDERABAD: Citing losses, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has been “under-operating” with fewer trains, not all entry points being kept open at its stations and some escalators and turnstiles not operating.
"HMRL has shuttered entrances and closed automated turnstiles at almost all entrances on Nagole-Miyapur line," said regular commuter Kamal Prasad.
This is the state of affairs at almost all stations. “Two of four entrances / exits are closed at all stations on LB Nagar-Miyapur corridor. Though there are signboards saying 'Please take the next entrance', they cause considerable inconvenience particularly to the elderly," complained another traveller, Rithvik Challa.
"Why has HMRL closed the escalator on one side at Moosarambagh station? Is it giving any discount on ticket price for lack of facilities," said Aaseesh Preetam, yet another regular commuter.
As fewer trains are running, many commuters complain of mad rush, particularly during peak hours. They also want HMRL to start its operations from 6.30 am every day, instead of 7 am. “The first train at 7 am is fully packed," pointed out Subba Raju, an early traveller.
Admitting the inconvenience caused to commuters, HMRL authorities maintain that they are operating with minimal facilities as part of cost cutting. A senior HMRL official said that based on demand and footfalls, facilities at the stations will be improved and more trains operated.
"As of now, footfalls are less than 1 lakh. HMRL cannot afford to enhance the number of trains and provide better facilities. It has been paying two per cent interest to banks. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), the concessionaire, is paying 10 per cent interest on total Rs 1,766.74 crore losses that ballooned during 2020–21 financial year. Services had to be shut down for six months from March 23 to September 8, 2020, due to Covid-19. I urge commuters to adjust during these tough times and bear the inconvenience until situation improves," the official stated.
The Rs 1,766.74 crore loss in 2020–21 is against Rs 382.2 crore loss posted in the previous year. Incidentally, L&TMRH officials met Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao last July seeking support for the project. They had earlier submitted project cost overrun details of Rs 3,756 crore to the government. Sources say metro authorities have been asked to come up with specific plans to improve revenues in case they are expecting any support.
