Hyderabad: Metro commuters in Hyderabad may have to endure longer waiting times and increased crowding during peak travel hours as the induction of 60 additional metro coaches has been delayed by nearly two years. The delay is primarily attributed to the prolonged transfer process of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-I project from the Centre to the Telangana government. Initially, the state government had planned to place orders for new coaches immediately after the formal transfer process was completed. However, a fresh valuation exercise ordered by the Centre has significantly slowed down the procurement process, affecting key operational and expansion plans for the city’s metro network.
According to officials, SBI Capital Markets (SBI Caps), a subsidiary of the State Bank of India, has been appointed to conduct the valuation of the Hyderabad Metro project and oversee its financial restructuring. The agency has also been tasked with identifying financial institutions to refinance the existing debt associated with the metro project. Authorities expect the valuation process to take at least two months, while the complete transfer of the project is likely to be finalized only by the end of 2026. Until the transfer and financial procedures are completed, the Telangana government will be unable to place orders for the additional coaches. Even after procurement approval, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), the proposed manufacturer, has indicated that manufacturing and delivery of the new coaches would require approximately 15 months.
The delay comes at a time when Hyderabad Metro is witnessing a steady increase in passenger traffic, particularly on routes connecting major IT corridors, where overcrowding during peak hours has become a major concern for commuters. Officials have acknowledged that increasing coach capacity has become essential to improve passenger comfort and reduce congestion. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has reportedly written to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy seeking faster approvals and expansion of metro services. Subsequent discussions have also been held with Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Ashwini Vaishnaw, following which the Centre initiated a comprehensive review of the Phase-I valuation process and future expansion plans. Meanwhile, passengers are expected to continue facing crowded trains and longer waiting times until the procurement and induction of additional coaches are completed.
