Hyderabad Metro Fare To Increase? (canva)
Hyderabad: Commuters in Hyderabad may soon have to pay more for metro travel as L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRHL) considers revising fares across all three corridors. While officials have not disclosed specifics, they hinted at a potential hike due to mounting financial losses since the metro’s launch in 2017.
According to official sources, the project’s accumulated losses exceed Rs 6,500 crore, raising concerns over its financial viability, as per TOI report. “It is crucial to take measures to prevent the project from becoming a non-performing asset,” read a statement from L&TMRHL on Friday.
Revenue Struggles Amid Rising Costs
“All steps have been taken to optimise other revenue streams from non-fare business, yet the possibility of a fare hike looms over as a necessary step to cover rising input cost elements for the financial sustenance of the project,” the company stated.
Comparing Hyderabad’s fares to other cities, L&TMRHL highlighted that Bengaluru recently increased its maximum fare to Rs 90 for journeys exceeding 25 km. Additionally, metro fares in Delhi were revised in 2017, while Bengaluru has seen a 44% fare hike since then.
“Fares notified in 2017 have not been increased despite significant inflationary pressures,” the company added.
Government’s Stance and Previous Tussle
Despite exploring alternative revenue streams such as retail spaces and advertising, the operator maintains that increasing fares may be necessary to ensure the metro’s long-term financial sustainability.
As discussions around the potential fare hike continue, Hyderabad’s metro commuters await an official decision that could impact their daily travel expenses.
