The Hyderabad Metro is set to increase its ticket fares by 25% to 30% starting May 10.
The fare revision, which has already been approved by the Telangana State government, is aimed at addressing rising operational costs and sustaining the metro’s services amid growing passenger demand, particularly during the peak summer months. The revised fares are expected to affect hundreds of thousands of passengers who rely on the metro as a primary mode of urban transport. The proposed fare increase comes after mounting financial losses faced by the Hyderabad Metro Rail. Since its inception, the metro, operated by Larsen & Toubro under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has struggled to break even financially. Despite significant investments in infrastructure and technology, the metro has been unable to recover its operational expenses fully. Authorities argue that the fare hike is essential to maintaining the quality of service, especially as the system grapples with increasing demand, particularly in the face of the ongoing summer heatwave.
The new fare structure, as outlined in the proposed plan, will see the minimum fare remain at ₹15, while the maximum fare could increase to ₹75, depending on the distance travelled. This price revision has been designed based on recommendations made by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which was constituted by the central government two years ago to evaluate fare structures for metro systems across India. The committee’s recommendations have sparked considerable debate about the affordability of metro services in major cities like Hyderabad. As it stands, the Hyderabad Metro has seen a surge in ridership, particularly during the summer months when the comfort of air-conditioned travel becomes an attractive option for those seeking relief from the city’s notorious traffic congestion and sweltering temperatures. The metro currently operates 1,200 trips daily, catering to around 4.80 lakh passengers on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, that number rises to over 5.10 lakh, with more people choosing the metro over buses and private vehicles for its efficiency and climate-controlled environment.
Despite the inevitable complaints from passengers, metro officials are confident that the fare hike is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system. According to sources within the Hyderabad Metro, the discussions around the fare increase have been ongoing for several months, and the revised fare structure has been presented to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for final approval. If all goes according to plan, the new fares will be implemented on May 10. Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities have emphasised that the fare revision is not only crucial for addressing the increasing operational expenses but also for continuing the expansion of the metro network. The state government is looking to extend the metro system further, and maintaining financial viability is critical to funding future growth and upgrades to the existing network.
The fare hike has ignited a debate among commuters, particularly daily travellers who rely on the metro for work or school commutes. For many, the fare increase raises concerns about the affordability of public transport, particularly in light of rising living costs. Public transportation systems like the Hyderabad Metro are expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, promoting sustainable travel, and contributing to a cleaner, greener city. However, as the cost of service increases, so too does the challenge of maintaining accessibility for all segments of the population. In conclusion, while the fare hike has been presented as a necessary step to ensure the metro’s operational sustainability, its impact on affordability and accessibility will be keenly watched by both commuters and policymakers alike. As Hyderabad continues to expand and evolve as a major urban hub, the balance between providing quality public transport and ensuring it remains affordable will be a critical issue for the city’s future.
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