New extension of the contract to operate the Hyderabad automated metro in India

L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad, the concession holder of the Hyderabad metro, has extended Keolis' contract to operate and maintain the Hyderabad automated metro system until November 2026. The 69 km-long network, which was opened to the public in 2017, consists of three lines and 57 stations. Currently used by over 450,000 passengers every day, Hyderabad is the country’s third largest network.

L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited, a subsidiary of Larsen and Toubro (L&T), one of the main Indian groups in charge of the Hyderabad metro PPP, awarded an extension to Keolis for the operation and maintenance of its automated metro system until November 2026. It is the third largest in the country, with 450,000 average passengers per day.

Keolis has been operating the Hyderabad metro since 2017. After an initial contract period that ended in late 2022, an extension was granted until the end of 2025. This second extension, set to begin in November 2025, reflects renewed trust and a continued commitment to providing reliable and high-performing transport services. Keolis will thus continue to operate and maintain 57 trainsets, the metro infrastructure, the automation and CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) systems , help in optimize train frequency and contribute to 80% digital solutions for tickets.

Keolis has been working with L&T since 2012 and has contributed to the continuous improvement of passenger service in terms of comfort, passenger information, High standards of operations like including cleanliness, as well as the management of major events such as Numaish, Ganesh Festival and IPL Cricket matches. With an overall passenger satisfaction rate of 90% and above 99.5% punctuality, the Hyderabad network is now one of the best rated networks in the country. Keolis Hyderabad has also been winning awards including the Global Light Rail award for consecutive 2 years and the CII Kaizen Safety Platinum Award.

The network has several specific features which makes it a modern mode of transport in line with the expectations of the city's inhabitants:

• a connection to the city train and bus stations

• services to university areas, commercial and business districts,

• automation and CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) technology to optimize train frequency in complete safety and ensure a very high level of punctuality,

• digital payment solutions for tickets, notably through the use of QR codes.

In a city of more than 12 million people, where more than 1000 new vehicles are put on the road every day, this network contributes to a reduction in travel time for people in the city, as well as to the reduction of traffic. It also helps to improve the quality of life of the city’s inhabitants by offering them a reliable, environmentally friendly alternative in terms of shared transport.

Keolis Group is involved in 8 automated metro networks, 564 km of track worldwide, making it the global leader in automated metros.

France :

• In Lille, with line 1, the first automatic line in Europe (1983) and line 2 (1989).

• In Rennes, with line a (2002) and line b (2022).

• In Paris, with lines 16 and 17 of the Grand Paris Express, which will start operating in 2026, as well as line 18.

Internationally: 

• In the United Kingdom, since 2014, in London, with the Docklands Light Railway.

• In India, in Hyderabad, with a network of three lines (red, blue and green), launched in 2017.

• In the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai, with the two lines of the world's longest automatic metro network (red and green lines), since 2021.

• In China, since 2018 in Shanghai, line 8.3 in the Pujiang district, then in 2019 at Pudong airport with the circular automatic metro line connecting the four terminals.

• In Qatar, in Doha, with a network of three lines (gold, green and red lines), launched in 2019.

• In Côte d'Ivoire, in Abidjan, where the network is due to be launched by 2028.