In a remarkable achievement, the Bengaluru Metro reported an unprecedented ridership of 2.23 crore passengers across its purple and green lines for the month of June. This surge in commuter numbers highlights the increasing popularity of the metro system and its crucial role in the city’s public transportation network.
A standout moment occurred on 19 June, when the metro set a new daily ridership record with 8.08 lakh passengers. This significant milestone underscores the growing reliance on the metro system for daily commutes and travel across the city.
The ridership data from June also provides insights into passenger preferences for ticketing. Over half of the metro users (50.06%) opted for smart cards, reflecting the convenience and efficiency of this payment method. Meanwhile, 30.45% of passengers chose tokens, and 19.49% utilised QR code tickets for their journeys. This diverse usage of ticketing options illustrates the varied preferences of metro commuters.
The surge in passenger numbers translated into substantial financial gains for the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which reported earnings of ₹58.23 crore for June. This increase in revenue highlights the economic impact of the heightened ridership and the metro system’s growing role in the city’s transport infrastructure.
Several factors have contributed to this record-breaking ridership. Key among them is the enhanced connectivity resulting from the completion of construction work on the Baiyappanahalli-KRpur stretch of the purple line and the introduction of direct metro services to Whitefield. These improvements have significantly expanded the metro network, making it a more convenient option for commuters and encouraging higher usage.
Despite these positive developments, the surge in ridership has also led to challenges, particularly with overcrowding. The purple line, in particular, has experienced heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. Passengers have reported difficulties with packed train doors and crowded carriages, making their commutes less comfortable during the busy morning and evening periods.
In response to these challenges, BMRCL has announced plans to address the overcrowding issue. The authority has committed to retaining the current fleet of coaches until June 2025, after which it will introduce 21 additional coaches to accommodate the growing number of passengers. This expansion is expected to alleviate congestion and improve the overall travel experience for metro users.
The record ridership and the accompanying challenges underscore the importance of ongoing investment and improvements in the metro system. As Bengaluru continues to grow and evolve, the metro will play an increasingly vital role in meeting the transportation needs of its residents.
The BMRCL’s efforts to enhance connectivity and expand its services are crucial steps in ensuring that the metro system can keep pace with the rising demand and continue to provide a reliable and efficient means of transportation for the city’s inhabitants.