The Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro network has recorded a cumulative 13.81 crore passenger journeys since its expansion in October 2022, with average daily ridership climbing to 1.53 lakh by May 2026, according to data released by the Gujarat government on 10 June 2026. The figures were disclosed as part of a broader review of infrastructure milestones linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in national office.

Network Scale and Integration

The Metro currently operates across a 68.28-km network spanning 54 stations, making it the backbone of public transport in Gujarat's largest urban corridor. The network has been integrated with multiple transit systems, including the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), and Indian Railways. More than 200 buses currently pass through Metro stations to provide last-mile connectivity.

Ridership Growth Year on Year

Passenger numbers have grown steadily since the network's expansion. Average daily ridership stood at 69,000 in 2023, rose to 1.01 lakh in 2024, and reached 1.33 lakh in 2025. By May 2026, the figure had climbed further to 1.53 lakh daily passengers, reflecting consistent year-on-year growth. The government attributed this trajectory to the successful implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the project.

Peak Ridership at Major Events

The Metro has also demonstrated surge capacity during large-scale events. More than 2.26 lakh passengers used the network during an IPL match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 30 April, while a fixture on 21 May drew over 2.22 lakh journeys. A World Cup cricket match on 18 February recorded more than 2.21 lakh passenger trips. Notably, Coldplay's concerts in Ahmedabad on 25 and 26 January last year generated over 4.11 lakh passenger journeys across the two days — among the highest single-event ridership figures on record for the network.

Planned Expansion Across Gujarat

The Gujarat government said expansion plans are at various stages of approval with the Centre. Proposed corridors include a GIFT City extension, airport connectivity, and Ahmedabad Metro Phase-3, which together would add more than 68 km of new track. In Surat, a separate Metro project comprising nearly 40 km of track and 38 stations is also advancing, with a trial run recently commenced on a 15-km section. Once all extensions are complete, the combined network is expected to significantly deepen urban mobility across the state.

Policy Context and Original Vision

The state government said the Metro project originated from a vision developed during Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, aimed at easing traffic congestion and supporting planned urban development. 'Connectivity is a measure of a city's progress. A modern and integrated transport infrastructure is directly linked to development, employment, tourism and the quality of life of citizens,' the government said in its statement. Officials noted that the Metro alignment was specifically designed to benefit students, young professionals, and lower-income groups in densely populated areas commuting across the city for work or education.

With Phase-3 and the Surat Metro pending Central clearance, the next phase of Gujarat's urban rail build-out will be a key test of whether ridership momentum can be matched by network expansion.