Hyderabad Metro crowding worsens as L&T, government delay capacity upgrade
Hyderabad: Crowding on the Hyderabad Metro Rail has worsened as the operator and the state government continue to shift responsibility for improving passenger facilities. As a result, commuters face daily congestion, especially during peak hours.
Daily ridership has crossed 5.5 lakh passengers. Morning and evening rush hours now see severe overcrowding. However, authorities have not increased the number of coaches or improved train frequency.
Even two years after the change of government, officials have taken no concrete action. Earlier assurances on capacity expansion have not translated into results.
Metro policy allows authorities to add coaches as demand rises. Yet, despite ridership exceeding projections, the operator has not decided on procuring additional coaches. In the past, metro officials cited financial stress, mounting losses, and lower revenue as constraints.
Indecision stalls capacity expansion
Commuters allege that Larsen & Toubro Metro Rail Hyderabad and the Telangana government have failed to act decisively. According to officials, the operator submitted proposals seeking financial support for extra coaches.
However, the government has focused more on the proposed takeover of the metro project. Consequently, capacity upgrades have taken a back seat.
Critics argue that prolonged indecision has delayed urgent fixes. They point out that authorities could increase train frequency during peak hours to ease crowding. Yet, officials have not implemented even these temporary measures.
As a result, passengers endure pushing and overcrowding on platforms and inside trains. Commuter groups say the lack of new coaches and poor schedule optimisation have reduced service quality. Meanwhile, demand for public transport in the city continues to rise.
Therefore, commuters have renewed calls for urgent coordination between the operator and the government. They want authorities to prioritise passenger safety and comfort over administrative delays.
