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South Central Railway (SCR) has asked the Telangana government to start Hyderabad Metro services earlier, at 5:00 am instead of the current 6:00 am, improving last-mile connectivity for passengers travelling on long-distance trains.
Hyderabad Metro Early Services
The issue was discussed in a high-level meeting at Rail Nilayam. SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava pointed out that many important trains, such as Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, and Telangana Express, arrive or depart between 4:30 am and 6:30 am. Passengers reaching stations, including Secunderabad and Nampally, around 5:00 am face problems because Metro services are not available at that time.
Usage of Private Transport
Due to this condition, travellers are forced to use costly private transport options like auto-rickshaws and taxis. Officials said that the first Metro trains from terminal stations like Miyapur, LB Nagar, and Nagole reach major railway stations only by around 6:30 am, which is too late for early morning passengers.
How will this Initiative Benefit Commuters?
SCR believes that starting Metro services earlier will benefit around 15,000 to 20,000 daily commuters who currently struggle to find affordable transport. The Chief Secretary has responded positively and asked Metro authorities to study whether this change is possible. However, Metro operators have mentioned that maintenance and safety checks during the night are the main reasons for the current 6:00 am start. A compromise, such as starting at 5:30 am, is also being considered. This request is part of a broader cooperation between SCR and the Telangana government. The state has also proposed free travel on MMTS trains for one year, offering a subsidy to cover losses, though pending dues remain an issue.
Moreover, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, including land for rail projects and better connectivity to the upcoming Cherlapalli terminal through shuttle bus services.
