Hyderabad’s metro commuters have expressed frustration over the ‘short loop train’ concept introduced on the city’s busy metro lines. The system, which forces passengers to de-board a few stations before their destination during peak hours, is causing widespread dissatisfaction. This arrangement is aimed at tackling overcrowding, especially at stations like Mettuguda on the blue line and Ameerpet on both blue and red lines, from 9:15 am to 11:15 am. However, many commuters see this as an inconvenience, often leading to delays in their daily journeys.
Passengers travelling from key areas such as Nagole to Raidurg are particularly affected, as they are asked to de-board early and wait for the next train. Regular metro users have voiced their displeasure, pointing out the added time and discomfort. “Being asked to de-board at Mettuguda while my destination is just two stations ahead adds unnecessary 10-15 minutes to my commute,” remarked a daily metro traveller. Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the increased crowding on platforms and trains, which exacerbates the issue, especially during rush hours when office-goers are in a hurry to reach their workplaces.
While the metro authorities argue that this system is essential to decongest the platforms and ensure smoother operations, passengers feel this is only a short-term fix. The station manager stated that overcrowded trains arriving at already packed stations could lead to unmanageable crowds, posing a risk to commuters’ safety. With 30 trains currently in operation on the blue line and an additional one on Mondays to manage the surge, metro officials believe this system will prevent chaotic crowding on the platforms. Yet, commuters have called for more practical solutions, such as increasing the number of coaches to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
From a sustainability perspective, the metro’s move to implement the short loop train system is intended to optimise operational efficiency and ensure safer transport. However, to truly address the issue of overcrowding and reduce commuter stress, investing in long-term solutions such as adding more trains or extending train lengths could enhance capacity. Such measures would also align with sustainable urban mobility practices, reducing the environmental impact of overcrowded metro systems and improving commuter experiences in the long run.
