Mumbai Public Transit Ridership Hits New Record, Nearing 10 Lakh Markv
Mumbai’s metro and monorail systems have achieved a combined daily ridership of 9.9 lakh for the first time. This landmark figure, falling just shy of the 10-lakh milestone, underscores the growing reliance of Mumbaikars on mass transit for their daily commute. The data highlights a significant shift towards sustainable mobility, a crucial development for a city grappling with vehicular pollution and traffic congestion. The milestone reflects a broader trend of citizens choosing eco-friendly transport options, a key pillar in the city’s long-term vision of a zero-net-carbon and equitable future.
The ridership figures reveal the operational success of different metro lines. The Metro Line 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar) continues to be the workhorse of the network, carrying over 5.6 lakh passengers and recording the highest passenger load per kilometre, at 47,237. This line’s sustained performance since its launch in 2014 demonstrates its critical role in connecting the western suburbs with the eastern part of the city. The newer elevated corridors, Metro Lines 2A and 7, are quickly gaining momentum, with a combined ridership of over 3.3 lakh. This rapid adoption of the new lines indicates the strong public demand for efficient and modern transport alternatives. The monorail, while contributing a smaller ridership of 12,235, also plays a role in the city’s multifaceted transport system.
The remarkable ridership growth is a direct result of the phased opening of new lines. The Metro Line 3, with its two operational phases connecting Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk, has already added over 76,000 riders to the daily count. While this line is still in its early stages, its ridership is expected to grow exponentially as more sections become operational. The substantial investment in these projects, with Line 3 alone costing over ₹37,000 crore, highlights the city’s commitment to building a robust and integrated transport infrastructure. This focus on high-capacity public transit is essential for creating a city that is more accessible, gender-neutral, and equitable.
The metro and monorail networks are poised to cross the 10-lakh daily ridership mark very soon, with several new lines and phases slated to open before the year’s end. These include the final phase of Metro Line 3, extending the line to Cuffe Parade; the first phase of Metro Line 2B from Mandale to Diamond Garden; and the initial phases of Metro Line 9 and Metro Line 4. These extensions will connect previously underserved areas, bringing millions of commuters into the metro’s fold. The expansion will not only provide much-needed traffic relief but also significantly reduce the city’s carbon emissions, as each metro trip replaces multiple private vehicle journeys.
The ridership data is more than just a number; it is a reflection of Mumbai’s evolving urban identity. It shows a city that is moving away from the chaos of road traffic and towards a future built on efficient, sustainable, and mass public transit. The metro system’s success is a critical component of Mumbai’s vision to become a world-class financial hub and a model of urban sustainability for other megacities to follow. It underscores the city’s strategic investment in infrastructure that serves the larger interests of society and the environment.
