In Hyderabad, the Ganesh festival has triggered an unprecedented surge in metro ridership, as the city celebrates one of its most vibrant cultural events. Over the past two weeks, the city’s metro system has witnessed daily passenger numbers consistently surpassing the five lakh mark, reflecting the festival’s significant impact on local transportation.
The Khairatabad Ganesh festival, in particular, has contributed notably to the increased metro traffic. On Saturday alone, the Khairatabad metro station reported a staggering 94,000 passengers, with 39,000 entries and 55,000 exits. This influx highlights the essential role of the metro system in managing the festival’s extensive crowd movements.
To accommodate the rising passenger demand, metro authorities have implemented several measures. Extra trains are being operated with increased frequency during peak hours to alleviate congestion. On the day of Ganesh Nimajjan, train services have been extended beyond the usual operating hours, with the last trains departing at 1:00 am and reaching their destinations around 2:00 am the following morning. This adjustment aims to ensure that festival-goers have access to reliable transportation throughout the late-night celebrations. Additionally, enhanced security measures have been introduced at key stations. Both Khairatabad and Lakdikapul Metro stations have seen an increase in police and private security personnel to manage the large crowds and ensure passenger safety.
The remarkable rise in metro footfall during the Ganesh festival underscores the importance of efficient public transportation systems in accommodating large-scale events. The proactive measures by the Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities demonstrate a commitment to maintaining smooth operations and addressing the challenges posed by such surges in passenger traffic. This period of heightened activity not only highlights the festive spirit of the city but also showcases the crucial role of public transportation in supporting large community celebrations.
