Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pitch for public transport, particularly metro rail, has prompted politicians and bureaucrats to publicly showcase their use of such systems, stepping away from their official cars. But, the renewed spotlight on it only underscores the gap between between policy intent and on-ground delivery.

For years, both the Centre and the State governments have underinvested in mass rapid transit systems, allowing key projects such as the Hyderabad Metro’s second phase and the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) network to lose momentum.

Senior officials note that considerable work remains if this push is to yield lasting results. This includes infrastructure expansion, adequate funding, and improved planning, particularly in ensuring seamless first-and-last-mile connectivity, along with the introduction of a common ticketing system across modes.

Hyderabad Metro Rail’s first phase, spanning 69.2 km across three high-density corridors, has seen daily ridership plateau at around 4.5 lakh. This is attributed to inadequate last-mile connectivity, shortage of additional train sets, and delays in lines expansion.

Efforts by the State government to secure the Centre’s approval for the HMR second phase have seen limited progress. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the proposal during his visit, but there has been little movement so far.

Meanwhile, the financially constrained State government has initiated steps to take over the first phase of HMR from L&T to facilitate seamless integration with future expansion plans, in line with the Centre’s conditions. Although the equity payment component has been reduced to ₹1,385 crore from the earlier estimate of ₹2,000 crore, the Indian Railway Finance Corporation has yet to disburse the provisional ₹13,615 crore loan, citing the need for additional documentation and guarantees. The deadline for the takeover is the end of this month.

Plans to procure 60 new train sets depend on the completion of this acquisition process. The State, startled at the Centre’s latest suggestion to explore a Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), which is projected as “faster and more cost-effective” has remained silent. However, officials question its suitability for urban settings with closely spaced stations wondering why other cities got metro line extensions without this option.

Further, the Centre is yet to release about ₹200 crore in pending viability gap funding for the first phase citing an incomplete stretch. In the case of MMTS, despite demand for increased services and better frequency, the Railways cite operational constraints and the State’s pending ₹490 crore share. But, with no guarantees on improving services even if its paid.

“Public transport must function as an integrated system - buses, trains, footpaths and seamless connectivity - supported by a common ticket. Without empowered urban governance, it will remain a distant goal,” said a senior official.