Today, I embarked on my first metro journey in
Hyderabad, and naturally, my mind raced back to compare it with the metro
experience in Bangalore. Here's how they stack up:
Way up in the sky: The Hyderabad metro is notably elevated, perhaps to an extreme, which I can only guess is either to accommodate future expansion or to increase the bill for construction and installation of a lot more escalators and lifts. You know why!
It's a unique feature but raises
questions about practical use and cost efficiency.
Commercialization: Hyderabad's metro stations
double as mini-malls, bustling with shops and eateries. The same things you get right outside the station. While this might boost
local commerce, it somewhat detracts from the primary function of quick
transit. In contrast, Bangalore's stations, while less commercial, offer a
straightforward transit experience. You won't find a ciggi shop, but you'll
find a functional space.
Cleanliness and Passenger Experience: Bangalore's metro shines in
cleanliness, with stations so spotless you feel it’s something automatic as you
hardly see the cleaning staff at work. The trains are longer, moving more
people while maintaining a spacious feel. In Hyderabad, however, the stations
feel cramped, and cleanliness is more visible with cleaners often sweeping into
your face. The space constraint might be due to the commercial additions or
simply design choices.
Smoothness of Ride: Bangalore's metro feels like
it glides on butter, offering a smooth, almost silent journey. Hyderabad's, on
the other hand, feels less refined, with a ride that seems more like a HMT tractor pulling a rocket lorry
on a kankar road, metaphorically speaking. My first ride here in Hyderabad
included an unexpected stop between stations, something I've never encountered
in my years and years of travel within Bangalore.
Ticket Systems: Bangalore uses a round
plastic token for tickets, a tactile and reusable solution. Hyderabad opts for
a printed QR code or an online scan-and-pay system, which, while modern, lacks
the physicality of Bangalore's tokens.
Announcements: The Hindi voice-over in Hyderabad seems to treat commuters like they need everything explained very slowly, which can feel a bit condescending. Dont ask for examples but I missed the names of some stops coz the first bit and the last bit were far apart.
Social Observations: One stark contrast is the
presence of beggars at Hyderabad's metro stations – a social issue not as
visible in Bangalore's cleaner, perhaps more controlled environment. It's a
reminder of broader societal challenges that public spaces reflect.
Consideration for Passengers:
Hyderabad seems to prioritize senior citizens with more reserved seats,
showcasing a cultural respect for the elderly. Bangalore combines seats for
both seniors and pregnant women, which is less efficient and less specific.
At last, Hyd scores.
Final Thoughts:
While both cities have commendable metro systems, they each carry unique approaches to commuter experience, urban integration, and operational efficiency. I am not qualified to say which is better but Bangalore is. And remember, I am a pucca Hyderabadi from namma Bengaluru.
Anyway, there is a video of the trip. Enjoy.
#nammametro #hydmetro #bangalore #hyderabad #bengaluru #compare
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