The Gurugram Rapid Metro has registered a significant 9.4% increase in ridership during the first five months of 2026, carrying approximately 80.81 lakh passenger journeys compared to 73.81 lakh in the same period last year. The data was presented at a recent board meeting of the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), highlighting the metro's growing importance as a public transport backbone in the city.
Financial Turnaround and Operational Surplus
Alongside the ridership growth, HMRTC reported a notable financial improvement. The corporation posted an operational surplus of Rs 9.18 crore between January and May 2026, a stark contrast to the deficit of Rs 1.98 crore recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. This turnaround underscores the effectiveness of recent management strategies and revenue diversification efforts.
Non-Fare Revenue Doubles
Officials attribute much of the financial gain to a surge in non-fare revenue, which more than doubled to Rs 16.16 crore from Rs 6.42 crore a year earlier. Income streams such as advertising rights, commercial utilization of metro assets, and business activities at stations have become major contributors. According to HMRTC, these non-fare sources now play a pivotal role in the metro's fiscal health.
Connectivity and Efficiency Drive Ridership
The corporation also credited improved operational efficiency and better connectivity for the increased ridership. Smoother interchanges with the larger Delhi Metro network and rising road congestion have encouraged more commuters to opt for the Rapid Metro. Officials noted that the steady growth reflects a broader shift toward public transport, with residents increasingly relying on the metro for punctual, reliable travel across Gurugram's corporate and residential hubs.
