Chandigarh, March 19 (NationPress) The urban transit framework in Haryana is experiencing remarkable growth, with Metro user numbers showing an impressive rise of 13.55 percent for the fiscal year 2025-26. This surge highlights increasing commuter trust and a definitive pivot towards public transportation.

This advancement was evaluated during the 64th Board Meeting of the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), presided over by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.

From April 2025 to February 2026, the Metro system served more than 1.74 crore passengers, a significant jump from 1.53 crore in the previous year’s corresponding timeframe.

July marked the peak monthly increase, soaring by 22.93 percent, with every month reflecting steady positive trends that signify enhanced service dependability and continued commuter preference.

Financial outcomes have also been robust, with fare revenues climbing by 12.64 percent up to January 2026, correlating with the growth in ridership.

Noteworthy is the substantial increase in non-fare revenues, which soared by 108 percent, propelled by effective monetization strategies involving station spaces, advertising, and commercial ventures, yielding an operating surplus for the Rapid Metro.

Future initiatives, such as the auctioning of station naming rights and expanding advertising opportunities, are projected to further bolster the financial health of HMRTC.

Chief Secretary Rastogi commended the performance, indicating that the steady increase in both ridership and revenue is a testament to the success of Haryana’s integrated transit strategy.

He underscored the continued emphasis on timely project completion, collaboration among agencies, and services tailored to commuter needs.

Managing Director of HMRTC, Chander Shekhar Khare, mentioned that the state is advancing on multiple Metro and regional transit projects.

Plans for Metro connectivity from Sector 56 in Gurugram to Panchgaon are currently under review, with the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) assessing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and layout, while also finalizing a depot site in Sector 36-A near Sihi village.

The Ballabhgarh-Palwal Metro extension is undergoing a techno-feasibility study by RITES.

A new study for Bahadurgarh-Asaudha connectivity is in progress, following HRIDC's decision to create a new interchange station at Asaudha to boost ridership.

The Gurugram-Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has reached a significant milestone, with alignment and station placements finalized and government approval received, and DPR preparation is now in progress by NCRTC.