Bangalore Metro crossed two crore monthly ridership, a 30% growth in a year

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a groundbreaking achievement, Bengaluru Metro has witnessed an unprecedented surge in monthly ridership, crossing the remarkable milestone of 2 crores. December 2023 marked a historic moment for the metro, with an average daily ridership of 6.88 lakh passengers. This significant increase, amounting to nearly 30% within a year, showcases the growing reliance on the metro system as a preferred mode of transportation.

Riding the Numbers

Data disclosed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) reveals that a staggering 2,13,34,076 individuals opted for metro travel last month, averaging 6,88,196 daily commuters. The robust ridership not only reflects the efficiency of the metro system but also translates into substantial revenue, with the BMRCL earning close to Rs 55 crore in fare revenue during the period.

The overarching trend indicates a commendable growth trajectory, considering the average ridership stood at 5.32 lakh in January 2023. The recent three-month surge, particularly since the full operation of the Purple Line, has seen a daily ridership increase of 64,000. Despite falling slightly short of the 75,000-1 lakh rise anticipated by the BMRCL, this surge is undoubtedly noteworthy.

Challenges Amidst Success

The surge in ridership has not come without its challenges. Commuters are grappling with overcrowded trains, particularly during peak hours. Instances of passengers having to skip several trains before finding boarding space have become commonplace, highlighting the strain on the metro's capacity.

Peak-hour congestion, notably between the Central Business District (CBD) and Majestic, has raised concerns. Despite the BMRCL's attempt to address the issue by running Green Line trains on the Purple Line, the relief has been limited. The BMRCL's ability to deploy more trains on the Purple Line is constrained until late 2024, awaiting the arrival of 216 new coaches from China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd.

Biocon Naming Controversy

While celebrating the metro's success, controversies have also surfaced. Residents of Hebbagodi, a suburb in southern Bengaluru, expressed their dissent over naming their upcoming metro station after pharmaceutical giant Biocon. Munikrishna N, a member of the Hebbagodi Municipal Council (CMC), argued that naming the station after Biocon had compromised the local villagers' self-respect.

This dispute emerged despite the 2020 agreement between the BMRCL and Biocon to christen the metro station as 'Biocon Hebbagodi Metro Station.' Biocon's contribution of Rs 65 crore towards the station's construction did not raise objections initially but has become a contentious issue following the installation of the station's name board. The 19.15-km RV Road-Bommasandra line, of which Hebbagodi is a part, is poised to open later this year.

Conclusion

Bengaluru Metro's exponential growth in ridership signifies the city's increasing reliance on efficient public transportation. However, the challenges of overcrowding and naming controversies highlight the need for strategic planning and community engagement. As the metro system continues to evolve, addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining its role as a transformative force in Bengaluru's urban mobility landscape.