After RTC fare hike, commuters request to expand MMTS services in Hyderabad

Following Telangana RTC’s bus fare hike, commuters are urging SCR to increase MMTS train frequency. Empty coaches, limited services, and rising bus costs highlight the need for affordable, punctual suburban trains with additional stoppages on key routes to ease city commuting

After RTC fare hike, commuters request to expand MMTS services in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: With the recent hike in Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus fares across Hyderabad, commuters are now requesting that South Central Railway (SCR) increase the frequency of Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) train services to provide a more affordable travel option.

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Several MMTS trains are running with nearly empty coaches on certain routes. Despite having 10–12 coaches per train, some services see fewer than ten passengers per coach.

While the TGSRTC has justified the fare revision as necessary in view of rising fuel and maintenance costs, passengers argue that the hike is an additional burden on middle- and lower-income groups already struggling with high living expenses and limited transport alternatives.

Sample this, the bus fare for travel between Malkajgiri and Lallaguda’s Anutex bus stop has been hiked from Rs 20 to Rs 25, and the fare to Secunderabad railway station has been hiked from Rs 20 to Rs 30. In some short-distance routes, passengers claim that auto-rickshaw rides are now cheaper than city buses, undermining the very purpose of affordable public transport.

The Travellers Association has formally appealed to SCR to expand the MMTS and suburban train services to absorb the increasing commuter load.

“If the Railways increase the number of MMTS trains and ensure punctual, frequent services, many passengers will naturally switch from buses to suburban trains,” said Noor, General Secretary, Suburban Train and Bus Travellers Association. Public transport affordability is a key issue for urban dwellers and this is the right time for railways to capitalise by providing reliable, cost-effective options, he added.

Currently, MMTS fares range between Rs 5 and Rs 15, depending on distance. For example, a 28-km journey from Secunderabad to Medchal costs only Rs 10 by train, compared to nearly Rs 30 by bus.

Additionally, providing stoppages for passenger trains at important suburban stations like Charlapalli, Moula Ali, Malkajgiri, and Umdanagar would help daily wage earners and low-income commuters.

“Many buses are overcrowded, late, or diverted without notice. The MMTS should stick to fixed timings to help us commute better and affordably,” said Kamal, a private employee, who now prefers MMTS over buses.

For many, MMTS trains remain the most economical mode of transport. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it was estimated that nearly 1.5 lakh passengers used MMTS daily. But the reduced services and irregular timings have brought that figure down to around 50,000 commuters today.

With RTC fares now higher, rail users believe restoring full-scale MMTS operations could revive ridership and balance the city’s transport ecosystem. As the city witnesses rising fuel prices and bus fares, traffic bottlenecks and longer commute times, the demand for better MMTS services is growing stronger than ever.

Commuters’ recommendations for MMTS:

• Introducing additional MMTS and DEMU services on key suburban routes

• Additional services sought on Lingampalli–Umdanagar, Secunderabad–Medchal and Sanathnagar–Ghatkesar

• Ensuring train frequency is every 30 minutes during peak hours

• Frequency of at least one service per hour during non-peak times