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Hyderabad Metro commuters may have to wait longer for relief from overcrowded trains during peak hours. The addition of 60 new metro coaches is expected to be delayed by at least two years because the transfer of the Phase-I Metro project to the Telangana government has taken longer than expected.
Telangana Government to Add New Metro Coaches
The Telangana government had planned to order the new coaches soon after the Metro project was officially transferred from the Centre. Initial discussions had already taken place with Bengaluru-based Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), which was expected to manufacture the coaches. However, the procurement process has been delayed after the Central government ordered a fresh valuation of the Metro project before the transfer is completed.
SBI Caps has been appointed to carry out the valuation and manage the financial restructuring of the project. This includes finding a lender to refinance the Metro's existing debt. Officials said the valuation process is likely to take about two months, while the complete transfer of the project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Until the transfer and financial restructuring are completed, the government is unlikely to place the order for the new coaches. Even after the order is placed, BEML has said it will need around 15 months to manufacture and deliver the coaches. As a result, commuters may have to wait nearly two years before the additional coaches enter service.
Why is the Addition of New Metro Coaches Required?
The delay comes at a time when Hyderabad Metro trains, especially on the busy IT corridor, are becoming increasingly crowded during rush hours. A recent commuter survey found that 58.2% of passengers struggle to find seats during peak hours. Many passengers also said they have difficulty even getting onto trains because of heavy crowds.
Metro officials said adding more coaches is necessary to increase passenger capacity and reduce congestion. However, they cannot move ahead with the purchase until the transfer process is completed.
The matter has also been discussed between the Telangana government and the Centre. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has written to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy requesting faster action. Meetings have also been held with Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Manohar Lal Khattar. Following these discussions, the Centre has started a detailed review of the Phase-I valuation, the proposed Phase-II expansion, and related financial matters, with SBI Caps leading the assessment process.