Bhopal Metro started its commercial operations on December 21, 2025, inaugurated by CM Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Manohar Lal. While the first day saw over 7,000 passengers, the numbers dropped sharply soon after. The project is now facing serious questions regarding its utility and financial viability due to very low daily ridership.
Why is the passenger count dropping in Bhopal Metro?
The metro currently runs on a short track of 7-8 km between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS. Many passengers find the minimum fare of ₹20 expensive compared to autos and buses. Additionally, the trains run every 10-15 minutes and services stop by 8 PM, making it less convenient for daily commuters. Lack of parking at stations and poor connectivity to main markets also affect the numbers.
What is the current financial status and ridership data?
The MPMRCL is facing a huge gap between spending and earnings. The daily operating cost is around ₹8 lakh, while the income is only between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000. Due to this, the number of daily trips was reduced from 17 to 9 by April 2026.
| Period | Daily Passengers (Approx) | Daily Trips |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2025 (Day 1) | 7,000+ | 17 |
| Dec 22, 2025 (Day 2) | 2,896 | 17 |
| January 2026 | 300-350 | 13 |
| April 2026 (Est.) | 100-150 | 9 |
What are the future plans and political concerns?
To attract more users, the MPMRCL will implement an Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system from April 27, 2026, offering 8% to 15% discounts on tickets. The Orange and Blue lines are targeted for completion by 2030, though the corporation aims for 2027-28. Meanwhile, the project has faced criticism for being driven by vote-bank politics, with some calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money.