Nagpur Metro Hits Weekly Ridership Of 1 Lakh As Phase 1 Becomes Fully Operational, Phase 2 To Double Network

Six years since it began commercial operations, Nagpur Metro has completed its Phase 1 network and marked a significant milestone by transporting over 8.83 crore commuters, Times of India reported.

The metro, operated by MahaMetro, now spans 40.02 km across 38 stations and boasts a weekday ridership exceeding one lakh.

Launched on 7 March 2019 with only five stations: Khapri, New Airport, Airport South, Airport, and Sitabuldi Interchange — the full network, comprising the North-South (Automotive Square to Khapri) and East-West (Prajapati Nagar to Lokmanya Nagar) corridors, became operational on 11 December 2022.

While some stations like Cotton Market and Indora Square opened later, Indora Square’s launch in December 2023 marked the formal completion of Phase 1.

The metro recorded its highest single-day ridership, 2.2 lakh on 1 January 2023. Initiatives such as WhatsApp ticketing, the Maha Card, and weekend passes have contributed to increasing commuter engagement.

The Maha Card, offering a 10 per cent discount to regular users and 30 per cent to students, has already crossed one lakh users. Daily passes and gazetted holiday discounts are also part of MahaMetro’s commuter-friendly schemes.

With Phase 1 completed, attention now turns to Phase 2, which will extend the network by 43.8 km to areas including Kanhan, Butibori MIDC, Transport Nagar, and Hingna.

Approved in 2019 at a cost of Rs 6,708 crore, work commenced in 2023. Land acquisition and groundwork are currently underway, with completion of the first stretches expected by 2027.