Sat Apr 26 07:55:03 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Metro Fare Hike Imminent Due to Mounting Losses

**Hyderabad, April 26, 2025** – The Hyderabad Metro Rail is facing a fare hike after years of mounting operational losses. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), the operator, confirmed that a price increase is under consideration due to a 160% rise in operational costs over the years. The company has accumulated losses of ₹6,598 crore, exacerbated by high interest rates on loans, despite debt restructuring.

While annual revenue from fares and real estate reaches ₹1,400 crore, it is insufficient to cover expenses. The current fare structure, unchanged since the metro’s launch seven-and-a-half years ago, ranges from ₹10 to ₹60. L&TMRH cites a 2023 recommendation from the Centre-appointed Fare Fixation Committee as justification for a price adjustment.

Further compounding the issue, the company needs to purchase new train sets to increase capacity during peak hours. A deal with an Indian manufacturer for 10 new three-coach trains (costing ₹400-₹450 crore) is underway, but it will take 15 months to integrate them into the existing fleet of 57 trains.

Currently, the metro system carries approximately 4.75 lakh passengers daily on weekdays and 3.5 lakh on weekends across its three corridors. L&TMRH CEO K.V.B. Reddy stated that the existing trains have the capacity to handle more passengers, urging riders to cooperate by following certain guidelines to improve passenger flow. The company projects breaking even only by 2033, aiming for 7-7.5 lakh daily passengers.

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