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Hyderabad Metro tickets are slated to increase by up to 25 per cent beginning May 17.
This is the first fare revision since the 2017 launch. (Photo Credits: Official Website)
The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) was built and is run by L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL), which has announced a rise in travel fares that will take effect on Saturday, May 17. The increase will be the first for the metro since it opened in November 2017. It will range from Rs 2 on the current minimum fare of Rs 10 to Rs 15 on the current maximum fare of Rs 60.
In September 2022, a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) led by a former High Court judge was established to suggest fare revisions, according to LTMRHL. The Committee recommended the updated fare structure in its report, which was turned in on January 25, 2023. But for a variety of reasons, the suggestion was not carried out.
According to the Metro Rail (Operations and Maintenance) Act of 2002, the Metro Railway Administration, or L&MRH, is “bound” by these suggestions. “Striking a balance between providing affordable services and ensuring financial sustainability, the FFC has recommended the revised fare structure, which comes into force from May 17,” said K V B Reddy, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), via a press release.
Details on the New Fares
The new rates are as follows: Rs 12 for up to 2 km, Rs 18 for up to 4 km, Rs 30 for up to 6 km, Rs 40 for up to 9 km, Rs 50 for up to 12 km, Rs 55 for up to 15 km, Rs 60 for up to 18 km, Rs 66 for up to 21 km, Rs 70 for up to 24 km, and Rs 75 for more than 24 km respectively.
The fares have been raised in line with similar measures adopted by other metro systems, such as Bengaluru Metro, which recently raised fares by as much as 50 per cent. Since the project’s launch, LTMRHL has been struggling financially, with total losses reportedly surpassing Rs 6,500 crore.
Reaction From Commuters and Future Plans
Every day, more than five lakh commuters who depend on the metro for their transit needs would be impacted by the fare hike. Concerned users have suggested that before raising fares, metro officials should concentrate on increasing capacity by introducing additional coaches. However, several associations of travellers agree that the decision is appropriate because this is the first modification to the fee in seven years.
To lessen losses, LTMRHL has reportedly also looked into other sources of income, such as advertising and retail rentals. The fare revision was judged necessary to preserve and improve the quality of metro services despite these efforts.
Regarding the updated fare structure, the company has urged commuters to cooperate and show understanding.
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