Bengaluru's metro rail system, Namma Metro, has achieved a significant financial milestone in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with its annual revenue crossing the Rs 1,000 crore mark. However, this achievement is shadowed by the widening of the network's overall financial losses, as revealed in its latest annual report.
Revenue Growth Amidst Financial Strain
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) published its annual report for 2024-25, showcasing a notable increase in passenger fare and non-fare collections. The report confirms that the metro's operational revenue has successfully surpassed the one thousand crore rupee threshold. This growth is attributed to rising ridership and expanded network operations across India's tech capital.
Despite this impressive revenue generation, the report indicates that the metro system's net losses have continued to widen. The increased operational and maintenance costs associated with running an expanding network, coupled with debt servicing, have outpaced the revenue growth, leading to a deeper financial deficit for the year.
New Corridor to Open in Two Stages
In a key development for commuters, the BMRCL report announced the planned inauguration of the much-anticipated Reach 6 corridor. This new stretch will connect Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, significantly enhancing east-west connectivity in the city.
The corporation has decided to open this corridor in two distinct stages to ensure systematic commissioning and safety compliance. While the specific dates for each phase were not detailed in the initial report announcement, this phased approach is expected to allow for smoother integration with existing lines and thorough testing of new systems.
What This Means for Bengaluru
The crossing of the Rs 1,000 crore revenue landmark underscores Namma Metro's critical role in Bengaluru's urban transport ecosystem. It reflects a growing dependence on the metro by the city's residents. However, the concurrent increase in losses highlights the ongoing financial challenges faced by mass rapid transit systems in India, which often require substantial state support.
The commencement of Reach 6 operations, even in phases, promises to bring relief to thousands of daily commuters in the northern and southern parts of the city, potentially boosting ridership and revenue further in the coming years. The focus for BMRCL will now likely be on optimizing operations and exploring additional revenue streams to bridge the financial gap while continuing its network expansion.
The annual report was made available on the official BMRCL website, with the information being highlighted publicly on 16 December 2025.
