Hyderabad:There is a growing demand from train travellers to reintroduce all passenger trains that were discontinued during the Covid lockdown.
Before the pandemic, South Central Railway (SCR) was operating on an average 534 passenger trains per day, but has failed to restore services even after more than six years. For instance, despite SCR claiming that services resumed gradually after the easing of lockdown, citizens have pointed out that passenger train no. 57145/57146 Dornakal–Bhadrachalam Road–Dornakal Passenger is yet to begin its services.
The MMTS services, which used to be around 121 before the lockdown, are presently operating 88 services. These include 11 pairs of MMTS services between Secunderabad–Medchal and Ghatkesar–Lingampalli, introduced till the end of March 2026.
SCR authorities explained that most trains have been brought back into service, with Indian Railways gradually restoring passenger train services starting from May 12, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains across the network. In the SCR zone, many trains are back in service.
Train users, however, expressed the need for the Dornakal–Bhadrachalam Road passenger train and full MMTS services to be restored.
Shiv Kumar, a rail passengers’ activist, said: “Several trains have been reintroduced, but stoppages are restricted, turning them into fast‑moving services. In addition, fares for these special trains are higher compared to the regular passenger trains that operated earlier.” He added: “The demand of passengers is more for regular trains rather than introducing specials, whose fares are higher.”
Satyanarayana, a resident of Malkajgiri, said: “The MMTS services were more convenient for several people when the services were more. The reduction of services has forced us to depend on other alternative public transport.”
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