Hyderabad passengers ignore MMTS

HYDERABAD: The city boasts of both the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) and Hyderabad Metro Rail services, which, ironically, makes for a study in contrast that borders on agony and ecstasy.

MMTS, despite being the cheapest travel mode (the fare starts at Rs 5, which is cheaper than a platform ticket) since inception two decades back, is yet to establish itself as the preferred option. Besides, it is plagued by frequent cancellations. Most importantly, the MMTS services were never connected with bus routes to justify the ‘multi-modal’ tag.

Metro Rail recently recorded a staggering footfall of five lakh a day whereas the average occupancy ratio of MMTS trains is around 50 per cent. Significantly Metro Rail services are more frequent, and run to a schedule.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of several stations, many commuters said it would have been better had the focus been on improving train connectivity.

In a way, patronage for MMTS has been on a gradual decline, especially post-Covid, while the popularity of Metro Rail has only risen. From what was an average everyday footfall of 1.6 lakh from around 121 services, MMTS occupancy has come down to 50 per cent.

Reducing charges of MMTS first class tickets did not yield the expected results. As a cost-cutting measure, the authorities reduced the number of services to 86. Of these, 22 were withdrawn in the name of infrastructural maintenance works between Hyderabad and Secunderabad divisions of South Central Railway (SCR).

Although Indians have a sentimental attachment to rail travel, MMTS failed to attract the same enthusiasm from commuters.

One of the reasons for people’s preference for city buses to MMTS is the punctuality factor.  

As businessman T. Nagaraju, points out, “MMTS has the most reasonable ticket fares. However, we do not opt to travel in them because of delays and the erratic functioning. At times, it is only after we enter the station that we come to know that the service has been cancelled for the day. We have to walk back from the platform to the bus stop to go about our day’s work.”

Many people opine that they prefer RTC services as they are more convenient. Cricketer Ambati Rayadu’s father recalled that they used to take the 5.30 am bus from Yapral to the Secunderabad Parade Ground, where his son used to practice.

B.T. Srinivasan, general secretary, United Federation Residents Welfare Associations, Malkajgiri, said, “The recently introduced MMTS services from Medchal to Secunderabad have failed to evoke much response because people travelling to Hitec City need to take another MMTS train that runs from Falaknuma to Lingampally. It is packed with passengers. Another problem is the eleventh hour cancellation of MMTS services. This will be resolved probably after the Moula Ali-Htec City service via Sanatnagar becomes operational tentatively in February.”

Srinivasa, employed in a private company, said, “Metro Rail gained advantage because of its frequency. Railways should introduce more trains and cover new routes. Giving a face-lift to stations will not bring in more patronisation. They should cater to the needs of the passengers.”