India has shelled out a whopping $26 billion on building a sprawling metro network across nearly two dozen cities. However, recent reports highlight that many newly launched metro lines, like Mumbai's Aqua Line, are barely utilized, capturing just a fraction of their projected ridership. With expected daily passengers at around 1.5 million, actual usage has plummeted to about 150,000. Issues like high ticket prices, poor integration with last-mile transport, and accessibility concerns are significant barriers for commuters.
Experts emphasize that while the overall metro network has expanded dramatically—growing fourfold from under 300 km to over 1,000 km by 2025—the numbers mask a troubling reality: many systems are underperforming amidst unrealistic demand projections. For metros to become a favored option amongst commuters, affordability and the establishment of convenient feeder services must be prioritized. The rising traffic and pollution levels may drive more people toward metros, but immediate improvements in pricing and overall network efficiency are crucial for a significant uptick in ridership.
Experts emphasize that while the overall metro network has expanded dramatically—growing fourfold from under 300 km to over 1,000 km by 2025—the numbers mask a troubling reality: many systems are underperforming amidst unrealistic demand projections. For metros to become a favored option amongst commuters, affordability and the establishment of convenient feeder services must be prioritized. The rising traffic and pollution levels may drive more people toward metros, but immediate improvements in pricing and overall network efficiency are crucial for a significant uptick in ridership.
