Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The New Airport Metro Station on Wardha Road experienced a huge rise in passenger numbers during the India-New Zealand T20I match held at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha on Wednesday. As per MahaMetro data, the station recorded a 346% increase in ridership until 9 pm. A total of 1,548
passengers exited the New Airport station by 9 pm on match day, compared to only 347 exits during the same time period on the previous day.
New Airport Metro Station in Nagpur
Officials said that many cricket fans preferred to get off at the New Airport Metro Station instead of Khapri, even though Khapri is the terminal station on the Aqua Line. The main reason was convenience. Khapri station is located in the Mihan area, and passengers depend on feeder buses or private vehicles to first reach Wardha Road and then continue towards Jamtha. In contrast, the New Airport station is directly connected to Wardha Road, making it easier for commuters to switch to feeder buses or other transport options to reach the stadium.
Increase in Passenger Rush at Khapri Station
Despite this, Khapri station also recorded an increase in passenger movement. By 9 pm on match day, 4,199 passengers exited Khapri station, compared to 3,723 exits during the same period on Tuesday. This shows a 13% rise in ridership at Khapri station.
MahaMetro's Initiative
To manage the large crowd and ensure smooth last-mile connectivity, MahaMetro worked closely with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Around 30 NMC buses were deployed as feeder services from the New Airport Metro Station to the stadium and back. Similar feeder services were also arranged from Khapri station.
MahaMetro officials said that the combined effort of Metro trains and feeder buses helped reduce traffic congestion on Wardha Road and nearby approach roads leading to Jamtha. Metro trains were operating at 10-minute intervals, and services were extended beyond normal hours until late midnight to handle the rush after the match.
