Metro Services Worsen After Takeover Announcement

Passengers allege that train frequency has reduced and services have deteriorated, forcing many to shift to other modes of transport due to longer waiting times. Commuters have also expressed disappointment that the demand for trains with more than three coaches remains unaddressed.

Praveen Daram, employee at an MNC in Raheja Mindspace, said the frequency between 6 am and 7 am had dropped to 10-12 minutes. “I travel from Uppal to Raidurg. Ever since the takeover announcement, services have worsened. Many commuters are now opting for other transport despite waiting,” he said.

Another major concern was the reduction in service timings. The last train, which earlier ran at 11.45 pm, was rescheduled to 11 pm from November 3. Veronica Racheal, a nursing officer at the Government Hospital in Sangareddy, said the earlier timing was convenient for late-night commuters. “Reducing the last service has caused inconvenience to many. Authorities should restore the extended timings,” she said.

A Hyderabad Metro Rail sources said the late-night passenger numbers are low and the decision was taken after assessing operational costs.

Road safety and public transport expert Ramanjeet Singh criticised the move, saying service timings should be increased, not reduced. “Metro Rail is a crucial public transport system for the state capital. If Hyderabad is to be promoted as a global city, the government must encourage Metro usage by extending services, even if patronage is low,” he said.

Commuters have also complained of overcrowding during peak hours, with passengers packed inside coaches. They alleged that cost-cutting measures have further aggravated the situation instead of easing congestion.

It was learnt that daily Metro Rail patronage has dropped by about one lakh passengers, from over 5.5 lakh earlier to around 4 lakh at present.

While operational control has changed, the final takeover by the state government is yet to be completed. The government has reportedly agreed to pay around ₹2,000 crore to L&T for equity and assume nearly ₹13,000 crore in debt, a deal valued at about ₹15,000 crore, aimed at facilitating Phase-2 approvals and streamlining operations.

Metro Rail authorities, however, said that service frequency is adjusted based on demand and that reduced frequency applies only during non-peak hours, acknowledging a decline in patronage.