Citizens Demand Transparency for Hyderabad Metro Expansion Plan Phase II
Concerned citizen forums are demanding full transparency and public consultation regarding the proposed Phase II expansion of the Hyderabad Metro, citing significant discrepancies between projected and actual ridership in the first phase and calling for deeper financial accountability.
Highlights
- •Civic groups report the existing Hyderabad Metro is currently handling only 4-4.5 lakh daily passengers against a 15 lakh capacity.
- •Demands include releasing CAG-audited financial statements and details of the cancelled Rs 13,527 crore refinancing agreement.
- •The proposed Phase II expansion involves seven corridors covering 122.9 km with an estimated cost of Rs 38,595 crore.
- •Advocates are calling for independent ridership studies and formal public consultations before the expansion is approved.
Concerned citizens and urban planning advocates are calling for greater Hyderabad Metro expansion plan transparency as the state prepares for its ambitious second phase. Various civic groups, including the Urban Development Forum and Citizens for Better Public Transport, held a press conference to express skepticism regarding the proposed infrastructure project, citing underwhelming performance metrics from the existing network.
Addressing Performance and Accountability
According to data presented by these forums, the initial stage of the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) was designed to accommodate a daily ridership of 15 lakh passengers. However, actual usage currently hovers between 4 and 4.5 lakh. Furthermore, the groups noted that the system, which is managed by L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd (L&TMRHL), continues to operate with three-coach trains despite being originally designed to support six-coach configurations.
The activists are urging the state government, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, HMR Limited, the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), and L&TMRHL to proactively disclose critical operational and financial information. Their demands include the publication of a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)-audited financial statement for the first phase. Additionally, they are seeking full transparency regarding the terms of a previously cancelled Rs 13,527 crore refinancing agreement with IRFC.
Future Expansion Under Scrutiny
The proposed Hyderabad Metro expansion plan transparency is particularly critical given the scale of the upcoming developments. Official proposals involve seven new corridors spanning approximately 122.9 km, with an estimated investment of Rs 38,595 crore. As of May 2026, the project remains under formal appraisal, awaiting final approval and funding allocations.
Advocacy groups are questioning the scientific basis for these massive investments. They allege that independent ridership projections and demand studies have not been made available to the public. Moreover, they emphasize that local communities residing along the planned corridors have not been adequately consulted. The forums are pushing for a more collaborative approach that includes public consultations and the implementation of income-linked fare structures.
Beyond fiscal transparency, the organizations are asking whether this significant expenditure truly prioritizes public transport needs. They are encouraging authorities to conduct a comparative analysis to determine if these funds might be more effectively utilized by enhancing TGSRTC bus services, investing in suburban rail networks, or improving last-mile connectivity solutions for the residents of Hyderabad.
