Chandigarh: Haryana’s urban transit system continues to witness strong growth, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.5% increase in 2025–26, reflecting rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.The progress was reviewed during the 64th Board Meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), chaired by chief secretary Anurag Rastogi, on Thursday.Between April 2025 and Feb 2026, the metro network recorded over 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore in the corresponding period last year. July recorded the highest monthly growth at 22.93%, while other months showed consistent positive trends, indicating improved service reliability and sustained commuter preference.Financial performance has also remained strong. Fare revenue increased by 12.64% up to Jan 2026, in line with ridership growth. Notably, non-fare revenue surged by 108%, driven by effective monetisation of station spaces, advertisements, and commercial activities, resulting in operating surplus for Rapid Metro. Further initiatives, including auction of station naming rights and additional advertisement sites, are expected to strengthen HMRTC’s financial position.Appreciating the performance, chief secretary Anurag Rastogi said the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana’s integrated transport strategy. Managing director, HMRTC, Chander Shekhar Khare, stated that, alongside operational gains, the state is making steady progress on an ambitious pipeline of metro and regional transit projects.Metro connectivity from Sector 56, Gurgaon, to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with HSIIDC studying the DPR and layout plan, and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village, he said. The Ballabhgarh–Palwal metro extension is under techno-feasibility assessment by RITES. A fresh study for Bahadurgarh–Asaudha connectivity is also being undertaken following the decision by HRIDC to develop a new interchange station at Asaudha to enhance ridership. MSID:: 129680403 413 |
