Revival of MMTS sparks calls for expanded routes and amenities

With South Central Railway (SCR) restoring MMTS suburban trains to near-scheduled timings during peak hours on certain routes in recent months, travellers are now urging authorities to take the next step to expand services and reclaim the system’s past glory.

The commuters seek more services on key routes. Passenger associations are demanding additional trains on the Secunderabad/Umdanagar-Medchal section to ease daily travel and improve connectivity with long-distance trains. “We need early morning services from Medchal to Falaknuma and back to help passengers catch the Vande Bharat Express and a Bolarum-Umdanagar service for easy links to Tungabhadra Express and AP Sampark Kranti Express,” says Murali, a frequent commuter.

He adds that introducing Medchal-Lingampalli and Bolarum-Hyderabad services would benefit employees and business travellers, while a Medchal-Falaknuma train would serve South Hyderabad commuters.

Commuters also propose new routes such as Medchal-Cherlapalli via R.K. Nagar, Secunderabad-Cherlapalli via Malkajgiri, and R.C. Puram-Cherlapalli via Neredmet, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to link the new terminal. There is consensus on increasing connectivity from Cherlapalli to Hyderabad, Umdanagar, R.C. Puram/Lingampalli (via Neredmet and Suchitra), and adding services to Lingampalli and Medchal during off-peak hours.

Frequency and infrastructure upgrades

Another commuter G. Rakesh suggests reducing intervals to 15-20 minutes during peak hours, extending Lingampalli services to R.C. Puram and Patancheru in the evenings, and adding more trains to Ghatkesar via Cherlapalli. He also recommends exploring a new platform at Tellapur facing the radial road near the ORR Kollur exit.

“MMTS schedules and fares should be displayed prominently at major stations, with frequent announcements,” says Bharadwaj, a Railway Users Committee member. He advocates merging first-class and ladies sections, conducting daily checks, and imposing fines on ticketless travellers. Mr. Bharadwaj also suggests allowing long-distance passengers free MMTS travel for 90 minutes after arrival, and creating a dedicated platform at Secunderabad for smoother boarding with trains halting in the middle and not at the edge.

New halt stations and future plans

Train Travellers Association president Noor Ahmed Ali reveals that three new MMTS halt stations — Loyola College, Anandbagh, and Prashanthnagar near Moula Ali quarters — are expected to be opened soon. “We hope SCR leadership continues proactive efforts to improve amenities, add stoppages for express trains, and ensure safe, punctual, and comfortable travel,” he says.

(Have any suggestions for MMTSservices improvements? Mail your responses to hyderabaddesk@thehindu.co.in, or you can use our X@THHyderabad)