Hyderabad Metro gets overwhelming welcome, over 2 lakh passengers travel on day 1

The Hyderabad Metro Rail received an enormous response on the opening day of its commercial operations on Wednesday. The Metro service authorities said over two lakh passengers travelled on day one.

“The turnout was beyond our expectations. On day one, over two lakh passengers travelled on the Metro,” Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMRL) managing director NVS Reddy said.

Hyderabad Metro commenced its first commercial operations on Wednesday between Miyapur and Nagole. The distance between the two stations is around 30 kilometers, covering 24 stations.

The HMRL managing director added that 80 per cent passengers travelled for work purposes. “For 20 per cent passengers, it was a joy-ride,” said Reddy.

Further talking to the media he said, “We expect 1.5 passengers will travel by the metro every month.”

The Hyderabad Metro charges Rs 10 for a distance up to two kilometers and the maximum fare is Rs 60 for a distance more than 26 kilometers. The trains run from 6 am to 10 pm.

Also read: PM Modi flags off Hyderabad Metro Rail 

The Metro authorities, Hyderabad Police and L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) have been instructed to be on high alert to manage the crowd.

In a series of tweets, Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Minister KT Rama Rao wrote, “Delighted that Hyderabadis have welcomed Hyderabad Metro in a big way. More than 2 lakh people took the train on Day 1.”

He also wrote, “I am told while day 1 of Hyd Metro broke all records, on day 2 also we are noticing a surge. Appeal to fellow Hyderabadis to be considerable to kids, elderly & other passengers. It’s our metro, our pride.”

According to HMRL officials, 546 security personnel from private security service agencies are manning the Metro stations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday inaugurated the first phase of the 72-km elevated Hyderabad Metro Rail project at the Miyapur station.