Hyderabad: The Hyderabad metro rail entered its eighth year on Friday after completing seven years of steady operations. As a result, the system remained a key mode of travel for thousands of commuters. It also continued to provide safe and fast connectivity across major corridors.
The project began in 2012 under a public–private partnership model. Since then, it aimed to ease congestion and create a reliable urban transport network. Work started on the LB Nagar–Miyapur, JBS–Falaknuma and Nagole–Raidurg corridors. The plan covered 72 kilometres and cost ₹14,132 crore. However, religious structures blocked part of Corridor-2. Therefore, it was completed only between JBS and MGBS. At present, trains run across 69.2 kilometres from 6 a.m. to 11.15 p.m.
Hyderabad metro rail sees rising peak-hour crowding
L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad reported heavy rush on the LB Nagar–Miyapur and Nagole–Raidurg corridors. During the morning hours, crowds grew sharply from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Later, passenger numbers increased again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A poll conducted by the operator on X offered more clarity. It found that 51.5 per cent of the 4.80 lakh daily riders were employees. It also revealed that 30.3 per cent used the metro to reach destinations quickly. Students formed 6.1 per cent of the ridership. Meanwhile, 12.1 per cent used the system to visit friends or relatives. Between November 29, 2017, and November 26, 2023, the metro carried 80.21 crore passengers.
The Congress government pushed expansion plans under Phase-2. As part of this programme, it proposed eight new corridors covering 163 kilometres at a cost of ₹43,848 crore. Five corridors fall under Part-A, while three come under Part-B. Detailed project reports are now with the Centre for examination. According to Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail Limited, approvals may come by March 2026. Once cleared, the new phase is expected to widen the network and improve mobility across the city.
The system now has 57 stations. Moreover, it operates around 1,100 trips each day. Ridership ranges between 4.60 lakh and 4.80 lakh passengers. Trains also cover nearly 25,000 kilometres daily. So far, L&T and the metro together received 205 awards for operational performance.