HYDERABAD: Despite boasting modern infrastructure and advanced technology, Hyderabad Metro is facing growing criticism due to repeated technical issues that are turning daily commutes into ordeals for passengers. What was intended to be a solution to the city’s traffic congestion is increasingly seen as an unreliable and unpredictable mode of transport.
Thursday’s breakdown on the busy Ameerpet–Miyapur corridor underscored the issue, as services came to a halt for nearly 20 minutes. Commuters were left stranded in carriages, and the disruption caused ripple effects across other metro lines, particularly impacting peak-hour travel on the LB Nagar–Miyapur route. At Bharatnagar station, passengers were stuck inside metro coaches for over 30 minutes as they waited for the problem to be resolved.
Negligence or oversight?
It remains unclear whether the persistent issues are the result of poor maintenance by concessionaire L\&T Metro Rail or a failure in official oversight. However, what is clear is the mounting frustration among commuters, who face delays and disruptions without clear communication or accountability.
The Hyderabad Metro, once hailed as one of the most efficient urban transit systems in the country, has seen a string of similar incidents over the past year:
On 27 March last year, a metro train stalled at Jubilee Hills Check Post on its way from Nagole to Raidurg, halting services for around 15 minutes.
In June, after increasing train frequency, technical faults forced passengers to exit using emergency doors.
A system-wide shutdown on 11 November paralysed services across all routes due to technical malfunction.
In December, services were disrupted again at Lakdikapul and Malakpet due to separate technical faults. One such incident led to a complete shutdown lasting over two and a half hours.
Most recently, on 3 April, a train on the LB Nagar–Miyapur route stopped suddenly near Nampally station, once again catching passengers off guard.
Recurring disruptions undermine confidence
These frequent breakdowns are eroding public trust in the metro system. Although Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) frequently cites the use of cutting-edge technology, the ongoing issues reflect a serious lapse in system reliability and response preparedness.
Commuters have begun to question whether the promises of a high-tech transit network were merely superficial, as the reality on the ground continues to be riddled with operational failures. With each incident, pressure mounts on L\&T Metro and HMRL to implement stricter maintenance protocols and improve crisis management.
Until then, passengers can only hope their next ride won’t be interrupted by yet another unscheduled stop.
