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For the second year running, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Network Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has recorded operational profits, marking a significant achievement. Metro sources revealed that for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the operational profit surged to Rs 129.3 crore, the highest ever recorded. During this period, the metro network witnessed a ridership of 23.28 crore, covering a total distance of 73.8 km.
Comparing with the previous fiscal year 2022-2023, which saw a ridership of 17.72 crore and an operational surplus of Rs 108 crore, the growth trajectory is evident. Despite challenges in the fiscal year 2021-2022, where revenue was Rs 228.76 crore and expenditure stood at Rs 345.6 crore, resulting in a loss of Rs 118 crore, the trend towards self-sufficiency in operations has been firmly established.
A senior Metro official expressed satisfaction with the revenue figures, stating that the income from fares amounted to Rs 735.48 crore, while the expenditure stood at Rs 606.18 crore. This surplus on the operational front is a testament to the success of BMRCL's strategies.
A S Shankar, Executive Director of Operations and Maintenance at BMRCL, expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the public's growing preference for metro travel. He credited the increased feeder services provided by BMTC for contributing to this trend. With the upcoming launch of the R V Road-Bommasandra Line by December, further increases in ridership and earnings are anticipated.
B L Yashavanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer of BMRCL, provided insights into the daily average ridership, which stood at 6.36 lakh during the past financial year. The connectivity to K R Pura has had a significant impact, with an average boarding figure of 1.05 lakh daily from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield (Kadugodi). Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Interchange station remains the top station in terms of footfalls, followed by Benniganahalli, Indira Nagar, and Nagasandra.
The launch of new metro lines has played a pivotal role in boosting ridership and operational surplus. The connection between KR Pura and Baiyappanahalli stations, along with the extension to Challaghatta on the Purple Line, which commenced on October 9, 2023, significantly contributed to this achievement.
BMRCL is steadily approaching the 8 lakh per day ridership mark, having achieved it twice recently. On April 18, 2024, the ridership figure almost reached 8 lakh, primarily due to candidates traveling for the CET exam. Similarly, on April 15, 2024, the ridership surged to over 7.92 lakh due to an IPL match and extended operating hours.
These milestones reflect the growing popularity and utility of the Bangalore Metro, reaffirming its status as a preferred mode of transportation for the city's residents.
