The HMR operator L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd said the revision was unavoidable due to cumulative losses of over Rs.6,500 crore and mounting operational costs
Hyderabad: In a move that caught many commuters off guard, Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) on Saturday implemented its first-ever fare hike since operations began in 2017. The minimum fare has been raised from Rs.10 to Rs.25 and the maximum from Rs.60 to Rs.75, marking an increase of up to 25 per cent.
The HMR operator L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd said the revision was unavoidable due to cumulative losses of over Rs.6,500 crore and mounting operational costs. The hike, it said, was essential to maintain service quality, safety, and infrastructure.
However, the abrupt announcement triggered frustration at metro stations across the city. Long queues formed not just for tokens, but for answers. “I saw at least four people arguing with staff. One man refused to move from the gate until someone explained the hike,” said Aruna Kumari B., a marketing executive.
Deccan Chronicle later witnessed a similar scene at Ameerpet station, where Deshmukh, a senior sales executive, insisted on an explanation. “I travel daily from Ameerpet to Hitech City. This hike means Rs.600 more a month. Why weren’t we told earlier? They talk of losses, but we want visible improvements to justify the cost,” he said.
Many daily passengers said the hike was steep compared to Metro systems in cities like Delhi and Kolkata. “Instead of raising fares, they should increase frequency on overcrowded lines like the Blue Line (Raidurg-Nagole),” said Nivedita Bharatam, a regular commuter.
At busy interchanges such as Ameerpet, Parade Grounds and LB Nagar, heated exchanges broke out between commuters and staff. “I’ve travelled daily for years. If I am paying more, I expect more trains and better cleanliness,” said J. Madhavi, a private school teacher. Guards at some stations struggled to answer questions from angry passengers.
Students and daily wage earners voiced strong concerns. “I spend Rs.40 a day on Metro travel. I’ll now have to cut down on food or other essentials,” said Faruq Shah, a graduate student from Malkajgiri.
The fare hike also comes at a time when the Metro is facing competition from the TSRTC’s Mahalakshmi scheme, which offers free bus travel for women. Metro officials admit this has dented ridership, which dropped from 5.5 lakh to 4.6 lakh since the scheme’s launch in December 2023.
“As we absorb the shock, the Metro’s bigger challenge will be regaining public trust. Without that, fare hikes might only drive more commuters away,” said Vivek Rajashekaran, a 42-year-old software developer.
