Hyderabad, 1 August
Hyderabad Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval as Other Cities Get 380 km of New Metro Projects
Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval remains a major concern for Telangana as Hyderabad’s Metro rail expansion continues to face delays, while several other Indian cities have received approval for more than 380 km of new Metro projects since January 2024.
Hyderabad Metro Rail currently operates a 69.2-km network across three corridors. Despite multiple proposals submitted over the past few years, Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval has slowed the city’s plans to improve public transport and expand connectivity to rapidly growing suburbs.
Hyderabad Metro Expansion Yet to Receive Clearance
In 2021, the previous BRS government submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Metro Phase II, proposing a 26-km corridor from BHEL to Lakdikapul and a 5-km extension from LB Nagar to Nagole. It also proposed a Mass Rapid Transit System for Kokapet and the Warangal Neo Metro project.
The DPRs were prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation, the same agencies that have worked on Metro projects approved in several other cities.
Former Municipal Administration Minister K.T. Rama Rao met Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Hardeep Singh Puri on multiple occasions, requesting faster approval of the Hyderabad Metro expansion. However, in 2023, the Central government rejected the proposal, citing lower Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) and insufficient projected ridership.
Fresh Metro Proposals Also Pending
After coming to power in December 2023, the Congress government proposed seven Metro routes covering 122 km under Phase II-A and three additional routes under Phase II-B. However, these proposals are also pending, leaving Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval for Hyderabad despite repeated requests from the State government.
The prolonged delay has raised concerns among commuters, urban planners and industry experts, who believe Metro expansion is essential to support Hyderabad’s growing population and traffic demands.
Phase I Takeover Yet to Progress
Apart from expansion delays, the State government’s proposal to take over Hyderabad Metro Phase I has also seen little progress.
The Central government recently agreed to appoint SBI Capital Markets Limited (SBICAPS) to conduct the valuation and financial assessment of Metro Phase I. The agency is also expected to examine financing options for the proposed expansion.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recently wrote to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, urging the Centre to finalise the Terms of Reference for SBICAPS at the earliest to speed up the process.
Other Indian Cities Move Ahead
While Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval remains the reality for Hyderabad, several other cities have secured major Metro rail approvals since January 2024.
Among the key projects approved by the Central government are:
- Bengaluru Metro Phase III: 44.65 km
- Chennai Metro Phase II: 118.9 km
- Lucknow Metro Phase IB: 11.16 km
- Ahmedabad Metro Phase IIA: 6.03 km
- Ahmedabad Metro Phase IIB: 3.33 km
Metro expansion projects have also been cleared for Delhi, Pune and Jaipur, taking the total approved network to over 380 km across the country.
As Hyderabad continues to wait for approval, Metro Phase II Still Awaiting Approval remains one of the biggest infrastructure challenges facing Telangana’s capital.