Hyderabad Metro Hikes Fare for the First Time Since 2017: New Rates Effective Tomorrow

L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL), the company responsible for constructing and operating the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), has announced its first-ever fare hike since the metro’s inauguration in November 2017. This fare increase will come into effect from Saturday, May 17. The fare revision ranges from a Rs 2 increase on the current minimum fare of Rs 10, to a Rs 15 increase on the existing maximum fare of Rs 60.

This fare adjustment marks a significant change for Hyderabad Metro users, as the fares have remained unchanged since the metro began operations over five years ago. LTMRHL’s decision to raise fares reflects the need to manage rising operational and maintenance costs and to ensure the sustainability and continued improvement of the metro services.

The fare hike followed a formal review process led by a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which was formed in September 2022. This committee was headed by a former High Court judge, reflecting the importance and seriousness of the fare revision process. The committee’s role was to examine the existing fare structure and recommend suitable revisions that would balance affordability for passengers with the financial needs of the metro system.

After months of detailed analysis, the FFC submitted its report on January 25, 2023, recommending the updated fare structure that has now been approved by LTMRHL. However, despite the submission of these recommendations early in the year, their implementation was delayed due to various unspecified reasons. This delay meant that the metro continued to operate under the original fare structure for several months after the committee’s report was ready.

The new fare structure raises the minimum fare from Rs 10 to Rs 12 and the maximum fare from Rs 60 to Rs 75, representing a moderate increase aimed at balancing the financial viability of the metro with commuter affordability. This increase is expected to help LTMRHL address the growing expenses associated with the metro’s operation, including maintenance, safety upgrades, staff salaries, and other overheads.

Since its launch, the Hyderabad Metro has become a vital mode of public transport in the city, offering a faster, safer, and more convenient alternative to road travel. It has helped reduce traffic congestion and pollution by encouraging commuters to shift away from private vehicles. However, sustaining such a large-scale public transport system requires regular investment and financial support, which fare hikes help facilitate.

The fare increase is likely to affect daily commuters, especially those who rely heavily on the metro for their daily travel. However, the hike remains relatively modest compared to fare increases in other metropolitan cities, aiming to maintain accessibility for the broader public while ensuring the metro’s operational efficiency and growth.

In conclusion, LTMRHL’s fare hike is a necessary step after over five years of fare stability, reflecting increased operational costs and the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and services. The decision follows a comprehensive review process by an independent committee and aligns with similar adjustments made in other metro systems across India. While it represents a cost increase for commuters, it is also an essential move to maintain and improve the quality and reliability of Hyderabad’s metro services in the long run.