हिंदी
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs 64th HMRTC Board Meeting
Chandigarh, March 19: Haryana’s urban transit system continues to witness strong growth, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.55% increase in 2025–26, reflecting rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.
The progress was reviewed in the 64th Board Meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.
Between April 2025 and February 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 all 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 January 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 Sh. Anurag Rastogi stated that the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana’s integrated transport strategy. He emphasised continued focus on timely project execution, inter-agency coordination, and commuter-centric service delivery.
Managing Director, HMRTC, Sh. Chander Shekhar Khare informed 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, Gurugram 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. 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.
The Gurugram–Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has achieved a key milestone, with alignment and station locations finalised and approved by the Government of Haryana, and DPR preparation underway by NCRTC.
The Delhi–Kundli metro extension is proposed to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet in its forthcoming meeting for approval.
The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal RRTS corridor (136.3 km) has also progressed, with the revised DPR submitted for financial concurrence ahead of Haryana Cabinet consideration. In addition, the Delhi–Bawal RRTS corridor has received approval at the PIB level and is under active consideration of the Government of India.
Within Gurugram, DPR preparation has been approved for key intra-city corridors, including the 17.09 km Bhondsi–Subhash Chowk–Rajeev Chowk–Sohna Chowk–Railway Station corridor, enhancing connectivity along Sohna Road.
