Voluntary groups demand transparency in Hyderabad Metro Rail projects

Members of the Urban Development Forum, Citizens for Better Public Transport and the Hyderabad Civic Forum at a press conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday questioning the administration on the decisions taken in connection with the Hyderabad Metro Rail. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR

Several voluntary organizations have called for greater transparency and public involvement in the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) projects, urging the government to immediately release key financial and planning documents related to Phase I as well as the proposed Phase II.

The organizations – including the Urban Development Forum, Citizens for Better Public Transport and the Hyderabad Citizens Forum – on Wednesday demanded the release of a comprehensive financial statement for Phase I, audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). They also requested the release of the various studies conducted for Phase II, particularly those related to ridership projections.

In a joint statement, the groups emphasized the need for public consultation with residents and stakeholders along the seven proposed Phase II subway corridors. They said such consultation is necessary to ensure the project reflects the needs and interests of the communities it seeks to serve.

The organizations further called on the government to release details of the revenue sharing arrangement with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), the private concessionaire involved in the project. They also suggested introducing income-based fare concessions for economically vulnerable groups, including daily wage workers, students and the elderly, to make metro travel more affordable and inclusive.

Convenor M. Srinivas raised concerns about the viability of the proposed expansion and questioned whether the HMR Phase II ridership projections were realistic given that the HMR phase had not even achieved half of the ridership targets set at the time of its launch.

He also highlighted the absence of a clear plan to improve first- and last-mile connectivity to metro stations, a problem he said continues to affect commuting comfort and overall ridership. The organizations called on the government to transparently address these concerns before proceeding with the HMR Phase II project.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 21:02 IST