Chandigarh : Haryana has recorded significant progress in its urban transport network, with metro ridership witnessing a notable 13.55% increase during 2025–26, reflecting growing commuter confidence and a shift towards public transportation.
The achievement was highlighted during the 64th Board Meeting of the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), chaired by Chief Secretary and HMRTC Chairman Anurag Rastogi.
Between April 2025 and February 2026, metro ridership crossed 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore during the same period last year. The highest monthly growth of 22.93% was recorded in July, with all other months also showing positive trends, indicating improved service reliability and increased commuter preference.
From a financial standpoint, HMRTC also reported encouraging performance. Fare revenue rose by 12.64% by January 2026, while non-fare revenue witnessed a remarkable growth of 108%, driven by enhanced utilisation of station spaces, advertising, and commercial activities. Initiatives such as auctioning station naming rights and expanding advertising infrastructure are expected to further strengthen revenue streams.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Rastogi said, “The consistent rise in passenger numbers and revenue reflects the success of Haryana’s integrated transport strategy. We must continue to focus on timely project execution, inter-agency coordination, and passenger-centric services.”
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Chandra Shekhar Khare, Managing Director, HMRTC, informed that multiple metro and regional connectivity projects are progressing steadily. The proposed metro link from Sector-56 in Gurugram to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation reviewing the DPR and layout, and land for a depot near Sector-36A (Sihi village) being finalised.
The techno-feasibility of the Ballabhgarh–Palwal metro extension is being assessed by RITES Limited, while a fresh study is underway for the Bahadurgarh–Asaudha link following plans by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation to develop a new interchange station at Asaudha.
The Gurugram–Faridabad ‘Namo Bharat’ corridor has reached a key milestone, with alignment and station locations approved, and the DPR currently being prepared by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation.
Additionally, the Delhi–Kundli metro extension is likely to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet for approval soon. Progress is also underway on the 136.3-km Delhi–Panipat–Karnal RRTS corridor, with its revised DPR submitted for financial clearance. The Delhi–Bawal RRTS corridor has already received approval at the Public Investment Board (PIB) level and is under consideration by the Central Government.
Further strengthening intra-city connectivity, DPRs have been approved for key internal metro corridors in Gurugram, including the 17.09-km Bhondsi–Subhash Chowk–Rajiv Chowk–Sohna Chowk–Railway Station route, aimed at improving connectivity along the Sohna Road corridor.
The meeting emphasised the need for sustained momentum in project implementation to further enhance Haryana’s urban mobility ecosystem.