HYDERABAD: Plans to provide Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) connectivity to the Hyderabad international airport were prepared nearly a decade ago, but the proposal was shelved after opposition from GMR, railway officials said.

As part of the second phase expansion, authorities had proposed MMTS links on multiple routes, including a direct connection to the airport. The proposal included doubling and electrifying the Falaknuma-Umdanagar line and constructing a new 6-km railway stretch from Umdanagar to the airport at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore.

Proposal aims to strengthen airport rail connectivity

Officials had then concluded that the extension would provide MMTS access to the airport from all parts of the city. However, the project was pushed into the pending list after GMR objected to the proposal.

At present, plans are being prepared for high-speed rail corridors connecting Hyderabad with Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai. The government has initiated steps to allocate land near the airport at Bahadurguda for the proposed high-speed rail terminal.

Authorities are also planning another interstate bus terminal near the site. The state government has already prepared proposals for the airport metro rail project.

Railway officials believe that integrating MMTS with the metro, high-speed rail and bus terminal projects would further strengthen Hyderabad's transport network and enable seamless travel.

Umdanagar extension seen as low-cost solution

MMTS services from Tellapur, BHEL and Lingampalli already operate via Secunderabad and Falaknuma up to Umdanagar. Trains are also running from Medchal through Kacheguda and Falaknuma. Direct connectivity from Nampally to Umdanagar is also possible.

However, passengers currently depend on road transport because there is no rail link from Umdanagar to the airport.

Officials said extending MMTS either up to the airport or the proposed Bahadurguda terminal would allow passengers to reach the airport from anywhere in the city for nearly ₹25.