Hyderabad Metro Fares Likely To Rise Soon

As Hyderabad continues to expand and urbanise, its metro system a critical pillar of sustainable transport in the city is grappling with mounting financial pressure.

Officials associated with Hyderabad Metro Rail are once again considering a fare revision, citing persistent operational losses that have remained unresolved since the COVID-19 pandemic. The metro system, one of the largest public-private partnerships in urban mobility in India, has become an indispensable mode of travel for lakhs of residents in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. With its air-conditioned coaches and reliable services, it offers commuters an escape from congested roads, rising fuel costs, and the public health risks of pollution.

However, behind the scenes, financial stress is threatening the viability of this mass rapid transit network. According to officials familiar with the project’s finances, Hyderabad Metro has amassed cumulative losses of over ₹6,500 crore by the end of the previous financial year. This deficit has placed increasing pressure on the operator to find ways to balance sustainability with affordability. The prospect of a fare hike is not new. Back in 2022, metro authorities had approached the previous state government seeking a fare revision to mitigate growing losses. The then administration agreed in principle and forwarded the request to the central government, which set up a Fare Fixation Committee as required under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The committee completed its review—taking into account proposals from the operator and objections from citizens—and approved a revised fare structure.

However, the state government at the time did not move ahead with implementing the hike, citing broader socio-economic concerns and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The fare increase was put on hold indefinitely. Now, with a change in political leadership and the Congress party taking the reins of the state, the fare revision proposal has resurfaced. Metro officials have approached the new government, underscoring the critical need to restructure fares in light of operational costs and financial viability. Sources within the metro authority suggest that a revision now appears more likely than ever. The move comes against the backdrop of similar developments in other Indian cities. Recently, Bengaluru Metro revised its fares by up to 44 percent, setting a precedent that Hyderabad officials are watching closely. Although the revised fare structure for Hyderabad has not yet been made public, there is growing anticipation that rates could increase across various distance slabs. At present, Hyderabad Metro fares range from ₹10 for short distances to ₹60 for the longest journeys.

Urban mobility experts argue that fare hikes, while unpopular, may be necessary to ensure the metro’s continued operation and future expansion. They stress, however, that such decisions must be balanced with the need to keep public transport accessible for low- and middle-income residents. “Affordability is a cornerstone of equitable urban mobility,” noted one transit policy expert. “Fare increases should not come at the cost of inclusive access.” Meanwhile, regular commuters are already expressing concern over the anticipated increase, fearing it may strain household budgets, especially for those who rely on the metro for daily commutes. Many residents argue that rather than raising fares, the government should explore additional subsidies or alternate revenue streams such as advertising, transit-oriented development, and improved last-mile connectivity to boost ridership.

Hyderabad Metro has already faced criticism in the past for not adequately integrating with other modes of public transport. Analysts believe a more seamless urban mobility ecosystem could help increase ridership and offset some financial losses organically. The recent increase in petrol prices and growing traffic congestion present an opportunity for public transport networks to attract more users, provided costs remain competitive. Officials insist that any fare revision, if approved, will be implemented in phases to reduce the impact on daily commuters. They also highlight the long-term benefits of a financially sound metro system—one that can continue to serve the city’s growing population, reduce vehicular emissions, and contribute to the broader vision of a greener, low-carbon urban future.

As Hyderabad positions itself as a global city and a hub of innovation, its metro system plays a vital role in ensuring that urban growth remains sustainable and equitable. Whether the proposed fare hike will stabilise the metro’s finances or push commuters away remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that maintaining an efficient and affordable metro service is crucial—not just for Hyderabad’s economy, but for its climate resilience and liveability.

Hyderabad Metro Fares Likely To Rise Soon