Hyderabad groups demand CAG audit and transparency for Metro Rail projects

On Wednesday, several voluntary organisations in Hyderabad demanded greater transparency, public engagement, and the immediate release of key financial and planning documents for the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) Phase I and proposed Phase II projects. The groups urged the government to disclose critical information to ensure accountability and address public concerns before proceeding with the expansion.

The demanding organisations include the Urban Development Forum, Citizens for Better Public Transport, and the Hyderabad Citizens Forum. In a joint statement, they called for a comprehensive financial statement for Phase I, audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), to be made public.

The groups also sought the disclosure of various planning studies conducted for HMR Phase II, specifically pointing to ridership projection reports.

The organisations emphasised the necessity of holding public consultations with residents and stakeholders along the seven proposed metro corridors under Phase II. According to the groups, these consultations are essential to ensure the project meets the actual needs and concerns of the local communities it is built to serve.

Additionally, the organisations called on the government to share details of its revenue-sharing arrangement with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), the private concessionaire for the project. To make metro travel more affordable, they proposed introducing income-linked fare concessions for economically vulnerable groups, such as daily wage workers, students, and senior citizens.

M. Srinivas, a convenor representing the groups, raised concerns over the viability of the proposed Phase II expansion. He questioned whether the ridership projections for Phase II were realistic, pointing out that HMR Phase I has not yet achieved even half of the ridership targets set at the time of its launch.

Srinivas also highlighted a lack of planning for first- and last-mile connectivity to metro stations. He stated that this issue continues to impact commuter convenience and overall ridership. The organisations urged the government to address these concerns transparently before moving forward with the Phase II project.