MUMBAI (Metro Rail & Steel): Mumbai’s Metro Lines 7 and 2A have achieved a significant milestone as their daily ridership surged past the 2.5 lakh mark for the first time since these routes were commissioned. This remarkable feat underscores the city’s growing reliance on its burgeoning metro network.
Both Phase 1 of Metro 2A and Metro 7 commenced operations on April 2, 2022, ushering in a new era of public transportation in Mumbai. Subsequently, Phase 2 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 19, 2023, marking the establishment of the city’s first integrated Metro network.
Previously, the average daily ridership on these routes stood at 2.4 lakh commuters, indicating a steady rise in passenger numbers. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that this recent surge in ridership can be attributed, in part, to the ongoing Western Railway block. Since October 27, hundreds of train services have been canceled to facilitate the commissioning of the sixth line between Khar and Goregaon. This disruption in rail services has led to delays and overcrowding on the Western Railway, prompting many commuters to opt for Metro Lines 2A and 7, which serve the western suburbs.
An official from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) highlighted, “We have already surpassed the cumulative ridership mark of 5 crores since the launch of Lines 2A and 7.” Additionally, officials note that the adoption of the Mumbai One Card has been “highly encouraging,” with 1.5 lakh daily commuters, representing 40% of the total, choosing this payment method. MMOCL reports a consistent 5% monthly growth along this route, emphasizing its increasing popularity among Mumbai residents.
