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Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) has decided to buy 60 new metro coaches to improve services in the city. The organisation has already approached the Telangana government for approval and is not waiting for formal clearance of Phase-II of the project. According to HMR Managing Director Sarfaraz Ahmad, the tender for
new six-coach train sets will be issued as soon as the government gives permission.
Phase I Operation of Hyderabad Metro
At the same time, the state government is preparing to take over Phase-I operations of the Hyderabad Metro, which cover 69.2 km, from L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH). This takeover is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Mr. Ahmad said the main focus is to ensure a smooth transition so that passengers do not face any inconvenience. He added that since metro services in many Indian cities are run by governments, Hyderabad should also be able to do the same without issues. The government is also working on improving common ticketing systems, first- and last-mile connectivity, and better maintenance of areas under metro stations.
Review of Phase I Finances
To support the takeover, IDBI Capital has been appointed as a financial consultant to review the Phase I finances. A technical consultant will also be selected soon from a shortlist that includes public and private firms such as DMRC. The financial report is expected within 10 days, while the technical consultant will get three weeks to submit their findings. Talks are also underway with funding agencies to restructure existing loans.
As per the agreement with L&T, the government will take over loans worth ₹13,000 crore and pay ₹2,000 crore to buy the project, making Phase-I fully owned by the Telangana government. L&T currently utilizes funding tools such as non-convertible debentures and commercial papers, and the government is exploring ways to revise loan terms.
Regarding Phase-II, which includes 162 km across eight corridors costing around ₹42,000 crore, the Central government is currently examining the technical proposals.
