Unprecedented 25% Surge in L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ridership: What’s Behind the Challenging 21% Revenue Dip?
L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH) has achieved a remarkable milestone by recording a daily ridership peak of 563,000 passengers, marking a significant growth of 25% from the previous year. This impressive feat coincided with over two months of sustained ridership exceeding 500,000 daily travelers during the fiscal year 2024-25. However, in contrast to this surge in passenger numbers, the company reported a 21% decline in revenue, totaling ₹1,108.54 crore, compared to ₹1,399.31 crore in the prior year. Moreover, the annual loss escalated to ₹625.88 crore, a 13% increase from the ₹555.04 crore loss recorded in the previous financial year.
Earnings drove partly by fare collection, which contributed ₹627.11 crore, while additional revenues of ₹485.55 crore came from various sources, including Transit Oriented Development (TOD) assets, advertising, and retail activities at metro stations. To further improve passenger convenience, L&TMRH plans to introduce an Open-loop Ticketing System (OTS) in the upcoming financial year, enhancing capabilities for digital payments.
Since its inception, the Hyderabad Metro has facilitated approximately 500 million passenger journeys. In terms of operational efficiency, the metro ranks among the best in India, thanks to effective cost management and optimal use of its rolling stock, as highlighted in the annual report presented at the recent general body meeting. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has recognized L&TMRH as the top-performing metro for 2024-25 in its annual “I-Metro” report, which benchmarks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for metros across India.
Sustainability initiatives remain a focus for L&TMRH, with 12% of its energy requirements met through solar power generated from an 11 MW capacity. This includes the installation of solar panels on station rooftops and depots, with an additional 1 MW expected to be operational soon. The company has constructed 155 rainwater harvesting pits across various stations and depots, with a target to collect around 60 million liters of water annually. L&TMRH aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and water neutrality by 2035, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability.
As of March 31, 2025, L&TMRH reported gross fixed assets valued at ₹17,355.19 crore, with net fixed assets at ₹15,620.46 crore. The organization also effectively regenerates 40% of its traction energy through regenerative braking, resulting in significant energy savings and CO2 emissions reductions. All 57 stations in the metro system carry the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum certification, reflecting their eco-friendly infrastructure.
This combination of ridership growth, strategic focus on sustainability, and financial management illustrates the metro’s evolving role in urban transportation in Hyderabad. As developments continue, the metro remains poised to adapt and innovate in response to both passenger needs and environmental challenges.
In conclusion, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad not only stands out for its operational achievements but also sets a benchmark for future sustainable urban transit solutions. As the network evolves, it promises to further enhance connectivity and convenience for millions of commuters in the city.
Hyderabad
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/lt-metro-rail-hyderabad-records-25-growth-in-ridership-revenue-drops-by-21/article69846078.ece
Category : Hyderabad
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Publish Date: 2025-07-23 18:01:00
