Hyderabad Metro Rail celebrates 7 years of urban mobility, eco-friendly operations

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) marks its seventh anniversary, celebrating a remarkable journey of innovation, sustainability and passenger convenience.

As the world’s largest metro rail project implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) has revolutionised public transportation in Hyderabad.

Reflecting on the project since its inception, NVS Reddy, MD, HMRL, highlighted the vision and unwavering commitment to revolutionise Hyderabad’s public transport system.

“We embarked on a journey to transform Hyderabad’s urban landscape. Today, as we celebrate seven years of successful operations, we see the tangible impact of this ambitious project. Hyderabad Metro Rail is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a catalyst for economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability. It has significantly reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and enhanced the overall quality of life for our citizens.”

KVB Reddy, MD and CEO, L&TMRHL, acknowledged the numerous challenges faced during the project’s execution.

“The journey of building Hyderabad Metro Rail has been a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. L&T, along with its consortium partners, has overcome numerous challenges, from complex engineering feats to stringent timelines. This project has not only showcased our engineering prowess but has also demonstrated our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that benefits the community. We are honoured to have played a pivotal role in shaping Hyderabad’s future and contributing to its sustainable growth.”

All 57 stations achieve IGBC Platinum Certification

In a remarkable achievement, all 57 stations across the metro’s three corridors have been certified as IGBC Platinum, making Hyderabad Metro the only metro in India to achieve this feat.

This certification reflects the metro’s commitment to green infrastructure, emphasising energy efficiency, water conservation and eco-friendly operations.

In a public note, the HMR listed its key achievements and milestones:

Developed with a massive investment of Rs 22,148 crores, HMR is a completely elevated metro project.

The metro has consistently attracted a large number of commuters, with a daily average ridership exceeding 4.75 lakh passengers. The year 2024 has witnessed peak ridership of 5.63 lakh passengers (7.43 lakh passenger trips)

Over 63.5 crore passengers have travelled on Hyderabad Metro Rail since its inception.

The metro trains have collectively covered an impressive 44.2 million kilometres. Daily train kilometres covered is 25,600 kilometres and an average trip Length at 12.5 kilometres.

Fleet utilisation is 100% during peak hours, ensuring optimal service delivery.

The metro trains have 99.8% on-time performance.

Sustainable public transport: The metro has contributed to saving approximately 184 million litres of fuel by encouraging a modal shift to sustainable public transport. This has resulted in a remarkable reduction of 424 million kilograms of CO2 emissions, promoting a cleaner environment.

9.35 MWp of solar capacity has been installed across depots and 32 station rooftops, meeting 12 per cent of the metro’s electricity requirements. A total of 56,935 MWh of solar power has been generated so far.

Green contributions: The innovative regenerative braking system in the metro trains has produced a total of 220 million units of electricity, enhancing energy efficiency. Hyderabad Metro has provided infrastructure for EV charging stations, with over 50 charging points available across the network.

Over 150 rainwater harvesting pits are operational across depots and stations. These systems have successfully harvested 375,000 kiloliters of rainwater, supporting sustainable water management. •

HMR has 99.9% reliability, comparable to the world’s best-performing metro systems like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Contactless ticketing: A range of options including tokens, smartcards, NFC-compliant QR-based mobile and paper tickets, WhatsApp e-tickets, Google Wallet and upcoming features like Open Loop Ticketing and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).

Passenger offers: During off-peak hours, commuters can avail of discounts on fares, making their travel more affordable. Additionally, special student passes are available at discounted rates, encouraging students to opt for public transport. The Super Saver Holiday Card offers special fares for weekend and holiday travel, making it an attractive option for leisure travellers.

The HMR announced the launch of the Green Miles Loyalty Club for its customers. Hyderabad Metro Rail said that it remains committed to innovation and sustainability, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of its passengers. The system is poised to further enhance the city’s urban fabric and provide a world-class commuting experience.