Hyderabad public transport share falls to 25 percent as private vehicles surge

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has expressed serious concern over the declining use of public transport in Hyderabad despite heavy investment in RTC, Metro, and MMTS services. A report submitted by consultancy firm Lea Associates revealed that the city’s public transport share, which stood at 42 percent in 2011, had dropped to 25 percent by 2024.

The report noted a sharp rise in private vehicles. The number of cars increased from four lakh in 2011 to 24.3 lakh in 2024, while two-wheelers grew from 33 lakh to 69 lakh during the same period. Officials said this surge in private vehicle ownership has worsened both traffic congestion and air pollution in the city.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asked the Transport Department to prepare a detailed report on the present state of Hyderabad’s public transport system. He sought clarity on whether schemes such as Mahalakshmi had boosted bus patronage and what further measures were needed to shift commuters from private vehicles to public modes.

Hyderabad public transport share falls sharply

Data showed that about 70 percent of commuters in Greater Hyderabad now depend on private vehicles. Car ownership rose from four percent of total transport share in 2011 to 16 percent in 2024, while two-wheelers grew from 38 percent to 45 percent. Bus ridership, however, remained unchanged at 38 lakh passengers, though its share in overall transport fell from 42 percent to 25 percent.

The decline was even sharper for MMTS. From 3.5 lakh daily passengers in 2011, the service now handles just 3,000 commuters. Metro rail currently carries around five lakh passengers, accounting for only three percent of the total. Autos saw a fall from seven percent to five percent share, while taxis showed a marginal increase from five percent to six percent.

Transport officials admitted that Hyderabad requires at least 6,000 city buses but only 3,000 are in operation. Shortage of services and overcrowded buses have forced many commuters to opt for two-wheelers. RTC has therefore planned to introduce 2,000 electric buses by year-end and extend services to suburban colonies.

Government planners are also banking on metro expansion. Proposed corridors include MGBS–Chandrayangutta, Nagole–Shamshabad Airport, JBS–Medchal, JBS–Shamirpet, Nagole–LB Nagar, and Miyapur–Isnapur. The government aims to raise metro’s share above 10 percent once Phase-II approvals from the Centre are secured.

The report also pointed to inadequate parking at metro stations and poor feeder bus services. With last-mile links missing, many commuters continue to rely on private vehicles despite the metro being available. Transport authorities are likely to submit a detailed set of proposals to the state government in the coming days.