Mumbai Metro One, the city’s first metro line, has achieved an extraordinary milestone, surpassing 1 billion (100 crore) commuters since its launch on June 8, 2014. This remarkable feat underscores the metro’s growing importance in Mumbai’s public transport network, despite facing unprecedented challenges.
The milestone is particularly noteworthy, given the substantial disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted operations for 211 days and imposed restrictions until March 31, 2022. Nevertheless, Mumbai Metro One has maintained its appeal, steadily gaining ridership and reaffirming its status as a critical transit solution for the city.
An official associated with the project attributed this success to the metro’s world-class service, customer-focused innovations, and operational excellence. “Mumbai Metro One has consistently delivered a reliable, safe, and comfortable commuting experience. Our punctuality rate, exceeding 99%, reflects our commitment to providing a dependable service for Mumbaikars,” the official remarked. Key achievements contributing to this milestone include the introduction of an unlimited monthly travel pass and the development of a metro-specific Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Additionally, the metro has embraced technological advancements by offering Mobile QR and Paper QR tickets, especially during the pandemic, which further enhanced commuter convenience.
The expansion of ticket counters, security checkpoints, Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, and escalators have also played a vital role in improving passenger experience. Furthermore, the integration of the metro with other transport networks, including new metro lines and railway stations, has significantly boosted its utility and appeal. Currently, Mumbai Metro One operates 430 trips daily, catering to approximately 500,000 commuters on weekdays. With a frequency of 3.5 minutes during peak hours and 7 minutes during off-peak periods, the metro continues to be a preferred choice for city dwellers.
An official for Mumbai Metro One Private Limited expressed gratitude to the people of Mumbai for their unwavering support and confidence in the service. “The achievement of this ridership milestone reflects our ongoing dedication to safety, security, cleanliness, and comfort. We are committed to maintaining the high standards that have made Mumbai Metro One a favoured option for commuters, advertisers, and retail partners alike,” she stated. As Mumbai Metro One celebrates this significant achievement, it sets the stage for further growth and innovation, continuing to transform the city’s transportation landscape and enhancing the daily commute for millions of Mumbaikars.