While Hyderabad continues to rank among the top cities in operational metro services, it has slipped to ninth place in terms of metro construction and expansion, as no new corridor has been taken up since the completion of Phase I in 2017.
The delay in the Hyderabad Metro expansion has left commuters waiting for improved connectivity as traffic congestion and urban population continue to increase.
Experts believe the lack of progress has affected the city’s position compared to rapidly expanding metro systems in other states.
Hyderabad Metro Expansion Awaiting Clearance
Hyderabad Metro Phase I was launched in 2012 across three corridors covering about 72 kilometres. The project became operational in phases, with services beginning in November 2017.
At present, metro trains operate on around 69 kilometres of the network, running nearly 1,100 services every day and carrying an average of 4.6 lakh to 4.8 lakh passengers daily.
However, despite repeated announcements, Phase II has not moved beyond the proposal stage.
According to reports, differences between the Centre and the State government, along with delays in securing approvals for the Detailed Project Report (DPR), have slowed the project.
Technical observations raised by the Union government are also said to be pending resolution.
The proposed Phase II aims to add 122.9 kilometres across seven corridors, taking Hyderabad Metro’s total network to 191.9 kilometres.
Once completed, the expanded network will include 143 stations, significantly improving public transport across Greater Hyderabad.
Urban planning experts say the expansion is essential as Greater Hyderabad’s population has crossed one crore, making efficient mass transit critical for reducing road congestion, pollution, and travel time.
They have urged both the Centre and the State government to expedite approvals and begin construction at the earliest.
When Hyderabad Metro was completed in 2017, it was the second-largest metro rail network in India after Delhi. Since then, cities including Bengaluru, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and others have expanded their metro networks through new phases, while Hyderabad has witnessed no fresh construction.
Officials and commuters hope that approvals for the long-pending Hyderabad Metro Phase II will be cleared soon so that the city can regain momentum in urban transport development. (Maxim News)
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