Trips cut, timings changed… yet Bhopal metro runs empty:Indore faces similar decline — harsh reality check

Despite reducing trips and revising operational timings, the Bhopal Metro continues to struggle with low passenger turnout. On most weekdays, fewer than 200 commuters use the service, even as the state government spends nearly ₹8 lakh daily on its operations. The situation mirrors that of Indore, where ridership has plummeted sharply months after launch. A ground report by Dainik Bhaskar revealed that metro coaches are largely running empty, raising concerns over mounting operational losses and low public interest. Reality check: Coaches almost vacant A reporter traveled on two routes between Subhash Nagar and Rani Kamalapati (RKMP) Station. In one stretch, the reporter was the only passenger on board. In a three-coach train with a capacity of 900 passengers, just one commuter was seen during part of the journey. First route: RKMP to Subhash Nagar At 1:26 PM, the metro departed from Rani Kamalapati station, passing through AIIMS, Alkapuri, and DRM Station. Around 15–16 individuals were present across three coaches — of which nine were passengers and the rest were metro staff. By the time the train reached MP Nagar and DB Mall stations, all passengers had disembarked, leaving only staff on board. No new passengers boarded at Kendriya Vidyalaya Station, and the metro ran empty until Subhash Nagar. Second route: Subhash Nagar to AIIMS At 1:55 PM, the metro departed from Subhash Nagar toward AIIMS. Once again, apart from the Bhaskar team, no passenger was on board. The coaches remained empty until DB Mall station, where one commuter — identified as Ankit — boarded for AIIMS. Ankit, traveling for the first time, remarked that the metro’s speed was slow and facilities were lacking, discouraging regular use.
Weekend spike, weekday slump Metro officials stated that passenger numbers cross 500 on weekends. However, on regular days, ridership often remains below 200. In several instances, trains have reportedly run completely empty between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar. High costs, minimal revenue The state government spends approximately ₹8 lakh daily on operations, security, and staff salaries. In two and a half months, this amounts to nearly ₹6 crore in expenditure. In contrast, daily revenue collections are reportedly under ₹10,000 — far from covering operational costs. Four major reasons for low ridership 1. Long travel time for short distance The 6-km stretch between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS takes 25 minutes by metro. Including ticketing and security checks, the total commute time reaches 35–40 minutes — discouraging commuters. 2. Low speed The priority corridor includes stations such as Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, DB Mall, MP Nagar, RKMP, DRM, Alkapuri, and AIIMS, many located within 1 km of each other. Frequent halts significantly reduce average speed. 3. Lack of parking and amenities None of the stations currently offer parking facilities. Additionally, amenities such as ATMs and food kiosks are absent, limiting commuter convenience. 4. Inconvenient timings Metro services begin at 12 noon from AIIMS — well after office hours start. Private offices remain open until 8 PM, but metro services stop earlier, making the schedule impractical for daily commuters. Background: Launch and declining numbers The Bhopal Metro was inaugurated on December 20 by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Commercial operations began on December 21. On the first day, ridership peaked at 6,568 passengers. However, numbers soon dropped to around 1,000 per day during the initial two weeks. In response, management reduced daily trips from 17 to 13 per direction and revised operational hours starting January 5. Despite these changes, ridership failed to improve. Current timings Indore metro also witnessing sharp decline The Indore Metro, launched on May 21 last year, initially recorded daily ridership exceeding 25,000 passengers. However, current average usage has fallen to nearly 200 passengers per day — a drop of nearly 95%. Operations continue between Gandhinagar and Super Corridor Station No. 3, but reduced demand has already forced authorities to cut trips and revise timings once. Mounting concerns With rising operational losses and dwindling passenger interest, both Bhopal and Indore metro projects are facing questions over viability. Without significant improvements in connectivity, facilities, and scheduling, the metro risks becoming an underutilized public investment.