The Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) trains are among the most affordable modes of transportation in Hyderabad. With fares as low as ₹5–₹10, they have the potential to be a lifeline for daily commuters, middle-class families, and budget-conscious travelers. Yet, despite this cost advantage, MMTS trains suffer from low occupancy. Why? It’s not because people don’t need them but because unreliable schedules and frequent delays have eroded public trust.
Let’s take a closer look at the challenges faced by MMTS users and how addressing them could transform the service into a thriving public transport option.
Understanding the Low Patronage of MMTS Trains in Hyderabad
1. Missed Connections and Trust Issues
Imagine starting your journey two hours early to catch a long-distance train, only to find your MMTS train delayed and stopping excessively along the way. Many passengers traveling to Secunderabad or Kacheguda from Lingampally face this exact scenario. The result? Missed long-distance trains, panicked mid-journey cab bookings, and, ultimately, a decision never to rely on MMTS again for time-sensitive travel.
2. The Daily Commuter’s Nightmare
For office-goers, time is everything. Consider train 47154, which is scheduled to leave Kacheguda at 7:30 AM but is regularly delayed by 20–30 minutes. By the time it reaches Lingampally, it’s often past 9:15 AM, leaving commuters scrambling to reach offices in areas like Gachibowli. Spending four to five hours a day on travel (including first- and last-mile connectivity) is neither practical nor sustainable.
3. Excessive Travel Time for Short Distances
What should ideally be a 70-minute journey between Kacheguda and Lingampally often takes nearly two hours. This inefficiency discourages potential users and forces them to look for alternative, faster means of transport like buses, cabs, or the metro.
4. Flawed Scheduling
MMTS scheduling is another major issue. Here are some examples:
| Train NO | Sithaphalmadi/James Street Timings | Timings at Secundeabad | Remarks | Total time taken between KCG and LPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47151 | 04:45 at STPD | 05:02 at SC | 30 mins of extra time at Chandanagar | 01:40 mins from KCG to LPI |
| 47153 | 06:32 at STPD | 07:02 at SC | 5 mins of extra time at Chandanagar. | 01:30 mins from KCG to LPI |
| 47154 | 07:40 at STPD | 08:02 at SC | 20 mins of extra time at Chandanagar. | 01:25 mins from KCG to LPI |
| 47211 | 08:15 at SC | 08:47 at SC | 15 mins extra time at Chandanagar | 01:35 mins from KCG to LPI |
| 47175 | 07:10 at JET | 07:30 at SC | 10 mins extra time at Huppugua to Falaknuma for 1KM | 01:13 mins from LPI to KCG |
| 47176 | 09:00 at JET | 09:15 at SC | 18 mins for the last 6kms | 01:07 mins from LPI to KCG |
| 47177 | 10:06 at JET | 10:27 at SC | 01:17 mins from LPI to KCG | |
| 47178 | 09:40 at JET | 09:57 at SC | 23 mins for the last 6kms | 01:07 mins from LPI to KCG |
| 47210 | 17:05 at JET | 17:25 at SC | From JET To FM takes more time, given more time at each station | 01:12 mins from LPI to KCG |
| 47217 | 19:45 at JET | 20:10 at SC | 7 mins at Huppuguda to Falaknuma for 1KM | 01:17 mins from LPI to KCG |
| 47191 | 20:30 at JET | 20:45 at SC | 15 mins at Huppuguda to Falaknuma for 1KM | 01:15 mins from LPI to KCG |
01:10 hrs is the ideal time duration required between KCG to LPI but shceduling itself makes it 01:30 hrs and signalling delays make it 2 hrs in the same section.
Such delays make the service less attractive, especially for time-conscious commuters.
5. Delays and Overcrowding
Even with extended buffer times built into the schedule, delays are rampant, often ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. This unpredictability causes trains to run back-to-back, overcrowding the first train while subsequent ones run empty.
6. Lost Opportunity for Affordable Public Transport
With fares as low as ₹5 or ₹10, MMTS could be a game-changer for the middle class, especially in a city grappling with rising transportation costs. However, unless the reliability of these trains improves, even this affordability won’t be enough to attract passengers.
Some examples, everyday 47154, 47254, 47103, 47222 almost go back to back not exactly in this order but randomly but back to back. Another such examples include 47187, 47188 and 47217, 47191 etc
A Way Forward: How MMTS Can Regain Trust
The solution lies in addressing these key pain points:
- Punctuality First: Ensure trains adhere to their schedules with delays minimized to no more than 10–15 minutes.
- Optimize Scheduling: Review and revise schedules to eliminate unnecessary halts and reduce total travel time.
- Efficient Service Management: Stagger train timings to avoid back-to-back departures and ensure even occupancy.
- Monitor and Adapt: Use passenger feedback and real-time data to adjust operations dynamically.
Conclusion
MMTS trains are an invaluable resource for Hyderabad’s commuters, but their full potential remains unrealized due to reliability issues. With some focused improvements, MMTS will once again become a preferred mode of transport, reducing road congestion and providing an affordable, eco-friendly alternative for thousands of passengers daily.
Let’s hope the authorities recognize this untapped potential and work towards a punctual, efficient, and passenger-friendly MMTS system.