Hyderabad rail users push for better MMTS connectivity, Airport train link

Hyderabad commuters have renewed demands for MMTS expansion, better Metro and TSRTC integration, and a direct rail link to RGIA after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce private vehicle use. Rail users say improved suburban connectivity is essential to easing congestion and lowering emissions.

Hyderabad: The recent appeal to the general public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce usage of private vehicles has renewed demands from commuters in Hyderabad for a major overhaul and the city’s suburban rail network.

Suburban passengers pointed out that the twin cities require an immediate expansion of the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) to effectively incentivise commuters to shift away from cars and two-wheelers.

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Members of the Suburban Train Travellers Association noted that a robust integration of the Hyderabad Metro, TSRTC buses, and the MMTS network is vital to reduce road congestion and fuel consumption.

The Association, which has long advocated for infrastructure upgrades, pointed out that while the previous BRS government and the current Congress administration both supported railway electrification, which the Centre subsequently completed, the benefits are yet to be fully realised by commuters.

“There is an urgent need to increase the frequency of MMTS and suburban train services, especially during peak morning and evening hours. Adding more coaches to existing rakes and introducing new services to meet the growing demand,” said Noor Ahmed Ali, president, Suburban Train Travellers Association.

The association also proposed providing stoppages for selected express trains at suburban stations that boast strong local transport connectivity, which would help decongest major terminal stations like Secunderabad, Nampally, and Kacheguda.

Amid all these demands, the spotlight has now also turned back to the city’s long-pending airport rail connectivity.

Despite being a major aviation hub, Hyderabad still lacks a direct train link to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad. Nearly two decades ago, plans were drawn up to extend the MMTS network to the airport from Umdanagar. However, the project stalled due to land acquisition delays.

Rail users have now urged the railway authorities and the state government to coordinate with the GMR Group to clear the hurdle for the crucial six-kilometre railway stretch. Commuters emphasise that an airport rail link would significantly reduce dependence on private taxis, lower emissions, and ease traffic on the busy airport approach roads.