The much-anticipated expansion of Hyderabad's suburban rail network has hit a major roadblock. The second phase of the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) is facing indefinite delays, primarily due to a significant financial shortfall from the state government and a series of operational hurdles.
Financial Deadlock and Infrastructure in Limbo
A non-payment of Rs 381 crore by the Telangana state government is the central issue crippling the project. Officials from the South Central Railway (SCR) clarified that while the railway body proceeded to complete most of the infrastructure work using its own funds, the MMTS Phase-II was originally a cost-sharing initiative. The state's financial contribution was crucial for procuring new train sets, known as rakes.
Without these funds, the SCR has been unable to induct the necessary rakes, each costing between Rs 5 crore to Rs 6 crore. This has led to a paradoxical situation where newly built sections of track are ready but lie redundant and underutilized. Apart from the Lallaguda - Sitafalmandi chord line, most Phase-II sections are complete but see minimal service.
Operational Hurdles Compound the Problem
The funding crisis is not the only challenge. The SCR is yet to formally notify a key section—from Secunderabad to Cherlapally via Moulali—as an official suburban rail corridor. Furthermore, delays in extending platforms along various sections are preventing the introduction of additional services even where some rakes are available.
Compounding these issues is a noticeable decline in MMTS patronage. The expansion of the Hyderabad Metro rail network and the introduction of free bus travel for women in the state have reduced the immediate passenger demand for suburban rail services. An SCR official stated, "Given the low ridership, there is currently no operational scope or demand to introduce additional MMTS services, even on the completed sections."
Commuters Voice Frustration Over Broken Promises
For daily passengers, the delays have made the MMTS system unreliable and irrelevant, despite the new infrastructure. Srinivas Reddy, a commuter from Cherlapally, expressed a common sentiment: "New tracks were laid, stations were upgraded, but there are no trains. What is the use of Phase-II if services do not run? We were promised better connectivity to Hi-tec City and the eastern suburbs, but nothing changed on the ground."
The combined effect of the fund shortfall, procedural delays, and shifting commuter patterns has pushed the already delayed MMTS Phase-II project further off track. This severely hampers the planned expansion of affordable suburban rail services across Hyderabad, leaving critical infrastructure assets idle and commuter expectations unfulfilled.
