Despite the resumption of all transport facilities across the state, including metros and RTC buses, there has been no update regarding the commencement of the MMTS (Multi-Modal Transport System) services in Hyderabad that cater to thousands every day.
The decision is yet to be taken by the South Central Railway as other metropolitan cities have resumed their suburban trains. Mumbai and Chennai have their local trains running while commuting to Kempegowda International Airport from Bengaluru city through trains launched in January.
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In spite of these developments, Hyderabad local trains haven’t seen the light of the day since the past 10 months after MMTS train services were put on hold temporarily in March 2020 after the lockdown was imposed in the country.
Special trains, however, are still functioning, although in limited vicinities. These are operating daily from Hyderabad, Kacheguda, and Secunderabad railway stations. With the suspension of suburban trains and no date slated for its resumption, thousands of commuters who earlier depended on local trains are now resorting to RTC buses, cabs and autos.
Every public transportation service has been restarted in the city, except MMTS. Metro trains and RTC buses are also seeing a good number of commuters.
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As such, the General Secretary of Suburban Train Travellers Association, Noor Ahmed Ali has requested the rail authorities to begin the local train services immediately in order to allow needy passengers to utilize the same.
“Since some cities have already resumed suburban trains, there is no point in keeping our local trains waiting. We request SCR to resume MMTS services on the Medchal – Secunderabad section and also to complete the pending works of MMTS phase II at the earliest,” Ali said.
However, senior railway officials have stated when contacted that the department is awaiting the Centre’s approval over the matter.
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An official said, “Permission from the Ministry of Railways is mandatory. We will also consult the State government before resuming local train services.”
All the MMTS rakes are being maintained at the EMU car shed of Moula Ali and are in the condition to resume services whenever required. The battery gets checked regularly as do the brakes, wheel alignment, and engine functioning along with other motor parts.
The SCR is keeping no stone unturned by keeping the trains ready to begin services. “We are maintaining all the 12 MMTS regularly. All the rakes are fit and well-maintained to resume services any moment,” said an official.
These local trains used to witness an occupancy of nearly 1.6 lakh people per day via the 121 services available prior to the lockdown. It spread its service across 40 km as it covered close to 25 railway stations other than the Kacheguda, Hyderabad, and Secunderabad zones.
Operating in Secunderabad-Lingampally, Hyderabad-Lingampally, and Secunderabad-Faluknuma sections, MMTS services generated Rs. 9 lakh every single day as revenue with minimum ticket charges of Rs. 5 and a maximum of Rs. 15 for riders.
