The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,169 crore expansion project for Ahmedabad Metro, raising questions about why Hyderabad continues to wait for similar approvals despite serving a significantly larger ridership. Ahmedabad has a population of approximately 90 lakh and its Metro system serves nearly 1.5 lakh passengers every day. In contrast, Hyderabad is home to more than 1 crore people and its Metro network carries close to 5 lakh passengers daily.
The disparity in approval timelines has become a point of concern for the city that handles more than three times the ridership of Ahmedabad. Despite serving a larger population and facing greater pressure on its transport infrastructure, Hyderabad is still awaiting the Metro expansion that its growing needs demand. The city’s public transport system continues to face increasing strain as thousands of new journeys are made across Hyderabad every single day.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been consistently pursuing the Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 project, emphasizing that the city’s future development depends on infrastructure keeping pace with its rapid growth. The expansion is seen as critical for a city that continues to expand its boundaries and witness a surge in daily commuters who depend on public transport to reach workplaces, educational institutions, and essential services.
The delay in approval for Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 stands in stark contrast to the swift clearance granted to Ahmedabad. When a city with 90 lakh people and 1.5 lakh daily Metro commuters receives prompt approvals while a city with more than 1 crore people and nearly 5 lakh daily Metro commuters continues to wait, stakeholders have begun questioning whether Hyderabad is receiving proportionate attention from central authorities.
The current Hyderabad Metro network has proven its utility and demand through its substantial daily ridership figures. The existing infrastructure serves as a lifeline for lakhs of residents who rely on it for their daily commute. The growing ridership numbers demonstrate the pressing need for expansion to accommodate the city’s increasing population and urban sprawl that shows no signs of slowing down.
Every day more people in Hyderabad depend on public transport infrastructure as the city continues its outward expansion. The metropolitan area faces mounting challenges in managing its transport needs, making the case for Metro expansion increasingly urgent. The state government has maintained that infrastructure development must match the pace of the city’s growth to ensure sustainable urban development and efficient public transportation for its residents.
