Voluntary groups in Hyderabad want more transparency, public input on Metro Rail projects. Wednesday,Urban Development Forum,Citizens for Better Public Transport,and Hyderabad Citizens Forum demanded government release key financial and planning documents for Phase I and proposed Phase II of Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) .
Specifically, they want a detailed financial statement for Phase I, audited by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). And they called for disclosure of various studies on Phase II,especially ridership projections. Public consultations along seven proposed corridors for Phase II are needed, they argue. To ensure project meets community needs.
Concerns also about revenue-sharing with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), managing project. Groups proposed income-linked fare concessions for vulnerable groups — daily wage workers,students,seniors — to make metro more affordable and inclusive.
M. Srinivas, coalition convenor, doubts expansion's viability . Noting Phase I hasn't hit even half its ridership targets. He questioned Phase II projections' realism. And criticized lack of strategy for first- and last-mile connectivity to metro stations,which he says hurts commuter convenience and ridership .
They urge government to tackle these issues openly before pushing ahead with HMR Phase II . But will authorities listen…?
