Hyderabad Metro is one of the most convenient modes of transportation! Transforming the city from private vehicles to super speedy metro trains, Hyderabad Metro has come a long way. As you step into these aesthetically designed trains, all you feel is comfort and safety. A well-planned project reflects the city’s increasing connectivity from one end to the other.
Hyderabad Metro transcends connectivity as people exchange ideas, meet the budding talents of the city and make Hyderabad a growing hub for business and tourism. Metro plays an important role in economic growth as more people can now travel with ease. Whether it is exploring Golconda Fort or shopping near Charminar, borders and distances no longer restrict you. Planning a stay already? Check out the best hotels in Hyderabad for a great time!
Transportation in bustling cities not only causes pollution but also extreme congestion and the release of harmful gases. That’s exactly why cities need to adopt a safer mode of urban transportation system. The modern mode of Metro Rail ensures a futuristic approach towards smooth commuting for tourists as well as locals.
Hyderabad Metro is categorised as Green transportation making it one of the environmentally responsible modes. Various projects are carried out throughout the year to make an impact on the environment. The rainwater harvesting system recycles one hundred thousand litres of water per day. Moreover, it is assumed that ten thousand tons of CO2 shall be reduced from the environment.
What’s more? The Hyderabad Metro also recycles waste paper and reuses the same to save approximately 23 trees in a year. The usage of eco-friendly chemicals for preserving the artworks is indeed commendable. Lastly, such a thoughtful construction paves the way for innovation and excellence in engineering.
Historical overview of the Hyderabad Metro
The emergence of the metro in Hyderabad is major because of the need for a faster and smoother mode of transportation. That’s when the union government approved the Metro Rail Project in 2003. The Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) could not meet the emerging needs of citizens. Also, the aim was to reduce traffic congestion and connect people easily.
The government initially decided to connect metro trains with MMTS. However, in 2007, the central government approved a fund of INR 1639 crores for the project. With bidding and rebidding among companies, L&T bagged the project. That’s how the work for the Hyderabad metro began!
Key milestones
- Groundbreaking or the Bhumi Puja was conducted in April 2012. That’s when the election for the construction process started.
- In November 2013, L&T began laying the metro rails between the planned destinations.
- An aesthetically pleasing metro train came from Korea for the testing process. Trails were done from June 2014 to February 2015.
- 2016 and 2017 were the years for inspection, safety checks and the final approval.
- Ameerpet – LB Nagar Metro stretch started in September 2018.
- In August 2019, the Ameerpet – HITEC City was opened for operations.
- February 2020 marks the operational beginning of the Green Line.
Operational lines and network expansion
Hyderabad Metro is super convenient as it has three different operation lines. Whether you are travelling from the main city or the outskirts, you can easily use the metro. Let’s understand the details.
Red Line Route: Miyapur to LB Nagar
Length: Approximately 29 kilometres
Blue Line Route: Nagole to Raidurg
Length: Approximately 28 kilometres
Green Line Route: JBS Parade Ground to MG Bus Station
Length: Approximately 15 kilometres
Stations and key interchanges
Red Line Stations: Miyapur, JNTU College, KPHB Colony, Kukatpally, Moosapet, Bharat Nagar, Erragadda, ESI Hospital, S.R. Nagar, Begumpet, Ameerpet, Punjagutta, Irrum Manzil, Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, Assembly, Nampally, Gandhi Bhavan, Osmania Medical College, MG Bus Station, Malakpet, New Market, Musarambagh, Dilsukhnagar, Chaitanyapuri, Victoria Memorial and LB Nagar.
Blue Line Stations: Nagole, Uppal, Stadium, NGRI, Habsiguda, Taranaka, Mettuguda, Secunderabad East, Parade Ground, Paradise, Rasoolpura, Prakash Nagar, Begumpet, Ameerpet, Madhura Nagar, Yusufguda, Road No.5 Jubilee Hills,l, Jubilee Hills, Check Post, Peddamma Gudi, Madhapur, Durgam Cheruvu, HITEC City, Raidurg.
Green Line Stations: Parade Ground, Secunderabad West, Gandhi Hospital, Musheerabad, RTC X Roads, Chikkadpally, Narayanguda, Sultan Bazar, MG Bus Station.
- JBS Parade Ground is the interchange connecting the Green Line (Line 3) and Blue Line (Line 2).
- MG Bus Station is another interchange connecting the Green Line (Line 3) and Red Line (Line 1).
- Ameerpet Station is the interchange between Red Line (Line 1) and Blue Line (Line 2).
Modern features and facilities
- Hyderabad Metro is a fully automatic mode of transportation with an air-conditioning system. It has comfortable seating and hand railings.
- As soon as the metro arrives, doors open automatically. After boarding, an audio announcement is made saying – doors closing.
- Hyderabad Metro trains also have a calling facility. You can call the train operator in case of an emergency.
- These trains also have digital screenings to understand the route. Audio announcements about the route and the next station make it easy for first-time travellers.
- Hyderabad Metro also has charging points for your convenience.
- You are in a safe zone as all metro trains have CCTV cameras. They also have a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and emergency doors.
Hyderabad Metro is moving towards a technologically advanced system for ticketing. You can either buy a smart card or opt for a token to travel. Smart cards are a convenient way for everyday commuters. It is best to take a token if you are travelling for a specific purpose.
Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) allows you to recharge the smart cards for everyday commute. Similarly, you can select the destination and get a token for one-day travel. You need to preserve this token, smart card or the QR code as needed during the entry as well as exit.
If you lose the smart card or the token, you won’t be able to exit. In that case, a penalty is levied only after which you can exit the premises.
The seats are ergonomically designed to ensure the comfort of all types of travellers.
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users, pregnant women and senior citizens.
- Audio announcements in different languages make it easy for visually impaired travellers.
Impact on urban mobility
Hyderabad is a busy city with thousands of people commuting for work, travel and business opportunities. Such a city sure needs a well-planned infrastructure to accommodate the growing needs of the population. That’s exactly why Hyderabad Metro trains have made a significant impact on traffic decongestion.
Earlier, people opted for public road transport or private vehicles to commute. With comfortable seats and air-conditioning systems, commuters now prefer the metro. On the contrary, the number of cars has reduced leading to the smooth functioning of vehicles on the road.
Additionally, metro stations are designed smartly. These stations are located at an elevation thereby not contributing to extreme traffic. What’s more? Hyderabad Metro trains operate with a huge capacity for passengers. There is no longer a need to look for high-priced cabs. Metro trains make it easy to accommodate a large number of people.
Since the metro stations offer last-mile connectivity, people do not have to opt for road transport. Private vehicles have reduced leading to lesser pollution in the city. The strategic location of the metro stations enables people to smoothly commute from one end to the other. This, in turn, has led to a reduction in harmful emissions, noise pollution and traffic congestion.
Hyderabad Metro plays a significant role in transforming the way people travel. Sleek trains glide through different locations connecting the remote areas to the city center. The bustling streets of Miyapur are now connected to the historical destination of Faluknama. Apart from just travelling and exploring, Hyderabad Metro plays a vital role in economic development.
The job market in the city is developing rapidly as more travellers can commute in reduced travel times. Creating a huge portal for talent exchange, Hyderabad Metro largely contributes to the city’s development. Community to work, expand business or hire talents; everything is easy as people now have a smooth mode of transportation. Hyderabad Metro transcends the idea of being a mode of transportation; it is developing to be a platform for a large community, sustainability and eco-friendly travel.
Navigating the Hyderabad Metro is easy with these simple steps. Follow them and you’ll be good to go!
- Find the nearest Metro station through maps on your phone
- You can then visit the Hyderabad Metro website and check the Metro Network Map here
- After this, check the station you want to travel to
- Visit the metro station and buy a ticket for the same
- Once you get your token or the smart card scanned, move towards the platform (directions are well mentioned with sign boards everywhere)
- Check the train timings and location
- Board the train as and when it arrives
- Deboard on the destined station and exit it by scanning the token/smart card again
Tips for First-Time Riders and Tourists
- Plan your journey well in advance to avoid confusion while buying tickets
- Always check the metro map beforehand to check stations and their routes
- Arrive early as train timings can fluctuate
- Follow instructions and watch for the signboards carefully
- If you are confused, it is best to seek help from the employees instead of randomly asking people
- Do not lose the QR code/token as you’ll need it for entry as well as exit
- You can only board the train from where you’ve got the ticket
- Mind the gap and do not cross the gap simply because you see anyone else doing it
- Most importantly, take a seat and enjoy the swift ride in Hyderabad Metro
Hyderabad Metro in numbers
As of November 2023, the Red Line receives the highest number of commuters. Approximately 245,000 passengers commute every day through the Red Line. Similarly, the Blue Line transports approximately 230,000 passengers on an everyday basis. The Green Line is gradually growing with at least 25,000 commuters in a day. More than 4 lakh commuters use the metro trains per day making it one of the leading modes of transportation in the city.
Hyderabad Metro is one of the fastest-growing transportation networks in the city. The operational efficiency is commendable with the reliability and punctuality of trains. As these trains adhere to strict schedules, more people can trust the Hyderabad Metro for work and personal purposes. The city also plans to manage the rush hours with strategies and the introduction of new lines. Moreover, metro trains have integrated with other modes of transport including feeder buses, bike-sharing services and suburban rails.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail project has won multiple national and international honours. It has also gained exceptional recognition. More than 325 major national and international honours have been given to it.
- Green MRTS ‘Platinum’ award for Hyderabad Metro Stations
- Green Building Award MD, HMRL & MD, L&TMRHL
- Best Urban Mass Transit Project Award
- MD, HMRL Mr. NVS Reddy received “The Global Engineering Project of the Year Award” at the Global Infrastructure Forum
- The Global Engineering Project of the Year – 2013
- (Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents) “Gold Award” for Construction, Safety and Occupational Health for the years 2013, 2014 & 2015
- IGBC Platinum Rating for Hyderabad Metro Rail Stations
- Best Upcoming Metro Rail Project of the Year 2015 and 2017 by the Construction Week India
- SKOCH Platinum Award for the Best Transportation Project in India for 2016
Upcoming lines and extensions
Hyderabad Metro is developing at a great speed to meet the ever-demanding needs of a smooth travel experience. As per the reports, construction of Phase – II is soon going to begin. The city plans to make metro rail available from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, to the four corners of Hyderabad.
The plan is to add 70 kilometres to the existing plan making it a total of 140 kilometres. The network between JBS to MG Bus Station is expected to extend up to Chandrayangutta crossroads in the old city area.
- The new corridor shall be from MG Bus Station to Faluknama, Faluknama to Chandrayangutta.
- Nagole to LB Nagar will also join the metro line at Chandrayangutta.
- Mailardevpally P7 Road to the airport shall also be an additional route.
- Mailardevpally to the proposed high court at Rajendra Nagar is under corridor 4.
- Raidurg to the US Consulate is a part of corridor 5.
- Corridor 6 is planned from Miyapur to Patancheru.
- Similarly, corridor 7 is expected from LB Nagar to Hayathnagar.
The city is constantly looking for ways to upgrade the experience of travellers. Recent news around aspects of safety for women. The government also plans to launch an app to allow fellow friends and family to track the locations of their loved ones. Moreover, everything on click is a motto of the app wherein women feel safer!
The urban mode of transportation is all set to move towards the solar energy system too. It will further ensure less energy consumption and a renewable way of operating Metro Rail. Additionally, the metro always welcomes new brands and interested companies to put their food counters or book stories in the metro stations. It is soon going to be the hub of development and growth!
Conclusion
The super busy city of Hyderabad attracts thousands of travellers for travel as well as work. In today’s time, the citizens of Hyderabad take immense pride in welcoming tourists. It is because people can now travel to different parts of the city most conveniently. The love and pride itself show the warmth and relief of travellers in their everyday lives. As Hyderabad Metro runs with speed, the city is growing with sustainable frameworks, enhanced connectivity and social inclusion.
