Latest news with #NagpurMetro
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagpur Metro records 10cr riders since its launch in 2019
1 2 Nagpur: The Nagpur Metro has crossed a cumulative ridership of 10 crore, according to figures released by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro). The system, which began commercial operations in March 2019, has seen consistent growth in passenger numbers over six years. The corporation attributes the rise in usage to the full rollout of Phase-I, completed in December 2022, and to specific policies targeting students. As per official data, students now comprise 20% of total riders. Incentives include a 30% fare discount on the Maha Card for students up to the graduation level and a Rs100 daily unlimited travel pass. The annual ridership rose from 55,000 in 2018–19 to 9 lakh in 2019–20, followed by 19 lakh in 2020–21 during the pandemic. The numbers increased to 67 lakh in 2021–22 and more than doubled to 2.43 crore in 2022–23. In 2023–24, ridership reached 2.55 crore, and in the current year, 92 lakh trips were recorded as of 15 July 2025. Maha Metro projects 3.16 crore riders by the end of the 2024–25 fiscal year. Nagpur Metro saw its highest recorded daily ridership on January 1, 2023, with 2.2 lakh passengers using the system. The Metro system includes infrastructure designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, tactile guidance paths, and reserved seating. MahaMetro also said the network has contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions by encouraging commuters to switch from private vehicles to public transport. However, specific data on environmental impact has not been made public in this release. The 10 crore figure includes all cumulative entries since 2019 and reflects growing dependence on the Metro for daily commuting in Nagpur. The system currently operates two corridors covering 38.2 km. Officials say Phase-II planning is underway with December 2027 as the tentative completion date.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagpur Metro to shift to open-loop NCMC cards for seamless travel, invest ₹154.3 Cr
Nagpur: Nagpur: MahaMetro is set to transition from its current closed-loop Maha Cards to a ₹154.3 crore open-loop Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. The move is aimed at enhancing commuter convenience and aligning with the national "One Nation, One Card" initiative. At present, Nagpur Metro commuters use closed-loop Maha Cards, which are valid only within the city's metro network. However, with the upcoming Phase 2 of the project, MahaMetro plans to introduce the RuPay-powered National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), following its successful launch on Mumbai Metro's Line 3 last month. The new system will enable seamless travel across metros, buses, and other public transport systems throughout India. Commuters will be able to tap in and out not just in Nagpur, but in any city that supports the NCMC ecosystem, offering a more flexible and user-friendly experience. MahaMetro has issued a tender for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the new open-loop AFC system. The project also includes QR code-based ticketing and a long-term Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC). Nagpur Metro currently has over 1.10 lakh Maha Card users, with at least two new cards being issued daily on average at metro stations. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Antivirus Protection May Be Expired - Renew now McAfee Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Cardholders enjoy fare concessions—students receive a 30% discount, while regular passengers get 10% off. Importantly, officials have confirmed that the existing AFC gates installed during Phase 1 will not need to be replaced. "Only a software upgrade is required to accommodate the open-loop NCMC system," a senior MahaMetro official said, ensuring that infrastructure costs remain minimal. "In Nagpur Metro's earlier phase, we had tied up with banks and developed our own card system. Now, we will transition to NCMC cards. The exact number of machines and infrastructure required is yet to be assessed, as it will depend on ridership and other operational factors," said Anilkumar Kokate, director (operations and maintenance), MahaMetro. The existing SBI-Nagpur Metro Maha Card, developed in partnership with the State Bank of India and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), is a dual-interface contactless prepaid card that supports stored-value transactions. The ₹154.30 crore investment is aimed at modernizing fare collection and improving interoperability across public transport systems. Launched in March 2019 by the Union govt, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is part of the "One Nation, One Card" initiative. Developed by the ministry of housing and urban affairs and powered by RuPay, the NCMC allows users to pay for travel across metro, bus, and suburban rail networks, as well as at toll plazas, retail stores, and ATMs—provided the systems are upgraded to support open-loop infrastructure.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cotton Market Metro: 2nd Entry To Open By Mid-Oct
1 2 Nagpur: The Cotton Market Metro station is expected to open its long-awaited second entry/exit point by mid-October, as confirmed by senior MahaMetro officials. The new 9 crore foot over bridge (FoB), cutting directly through the heart of the bustling Cotton Market square, aims to drastically improve accessibility and ease congestion at one of the Aqua Line's most strategically placed stations. Construction of the 120-meter-long skywalk began in August last year and is currently in full swing. The bridge will connect the station building to metro-owned land near Lohapul, crossing the heavily trafficked square overhead. The structure will include a staircase and two lifts, ensuring safe access for commuters, including elderly and disabled passengers. As of now, the station operates with just a single entry/exit, making it an outlier among Phase 1 stations of the Nagpur Metro network. The absence of a second gate not only caused operational inefficiencies but also put the station at odds with safety and accessibility standards outlined by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A senior MahaMetro official informed that the civil works for the FOB and entry structure are on track for completion by the end of August this year. Following this, electrical and mechanical integration, as well as system-related works, will continue into September. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the chief fire officer of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is also expected during this period, following which the new access point will be ready for public use by mid-October 2025. Cotton Market Metro is one of nine stations built under the Eastern Corridor of Phase 1 of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project, positioned between Sitabuldi Interchange and Railway Station on the Aqua Line. It is also one of the most commuter-heavy stations, serving daily footfall in the thousands from nearby wholesale markets, including the prominent vegetable and orange markets. Due to land acquisition delays, Cotton Market station was commissioned nearly a year after other Phase 1 stations, opening only in September 2023. This delay also pushed back associated infrastructure, including the new FOB. Motorists and pedestrians navigating the square have also felt the pinch. "Due to multiple development works going on together at the square, it makes it an everyday hustle to drive from here due to heavy traffic and congestion. And just to cross the Cotton Market square is literally a challenge in itself," said Shivansh Deokhine, a motorist.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Lost & found cases surge at Metro, over 450 items returned so far this year
Nagpur: In the first six months of 2025, the Nagpur Metro has returned over 450 lost items to passengers, signalling another busy year for its Lost and Found Cell. With over 1,290 misplaced items handled in 2024 — a 161% rise from 2023 — the metro system continues to see a sharp increase in forgotten belongings as ridership grows, as reported by TOI on January 28. According to MahaMetro officials, the variety of items left behind ranges from routine objects like mobile phones and wallets to unexpected entries such as bicycles and cricket bats. In 2024, mobile phones topped the list with 171 handsets reported missing, followed by 125 tiffin bags, 91 umbrellas, and 58 college bags. Even smaller gadgets like earpods (16) and watches (14) were logged. "Most items are left on train seats or found around station platforms and escalators," said a senior MahaMetro official. "The rush during peak hours often causes passengers to forget even large items like bicycles." In 2025, the trend appears to continue. By June, over 450 lost items were already recovered and successfully returned to their rightful owners. Notable recent cases include the return of a bag containing Rs3.5 lakh cash left at Cotton Market station, and another bag with gold ornaments worth Rs1 lakh. With a network of 38 Metro stations and daily ridership crossing one lakh, Nagpur Metro's Lost and Found Cell now sees an average of more than three misplaced items per day. In 2024, 764 of the 1,290 items were successfully returned to their rightful owners, showing the system's growing efficiency. Officials note that increased ridership and growing trust in the Metro system may be contributing factors to the rise in reported lost items. "We treat every lost item seriously, no matter how big or small," the official said. Commuters can report lost items at station customer care centres, via the Nagpur Metro app, or by calling the helpline numbers: 1800-270-0557 and 741-000-4333. Items found by other passengers can also be handed over to metro staff.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kamptee Metro extension reaches final approval stage
Nagpur: In a key development for Nagpur Metro's ongoing Phase 2 expansion, the proposed 1.3-km extension on the Kamptee corridor is set to be formally presented to Maharashtra's chief secretary next month. MahaMetro officials will brief the state's top bureaucrat and other key departments about the project before the state govt grants its final approval. The extension, which will take the existing line beyond the Automotive Square station and up to Kanhan village, includes a crucial 500m steel viaduct across the Kanhan River. This addition will push the total length of the Phase 2 network beyond 45km and increase the number of stations on the Kamptee route from 12 to 13. According to MahaMetro sources, the project report for the extension was already submitted to the state govt in April. The presentation to the chief secretary marks the final step in the state-level approval process. Once cleared, the proposal will be forwarded to the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) for central approval. "The extension is a strategic addition that will enhance last-mile connectivity for thousands of residents in the Kanhan area. It's important that all technical and planning aspects are clearly conveyed to the decision-makers at this stage," said a senior MahaMetro official involved with the project. The estimated cost of the 1.3km extension is around Rs300 crore. Officials are optimistic that with the state's green light, the central clearance from MoHUA can be secured within a few months, paving the way for construction to begin. Meanwhile, work on the broader Phase 2 corridors is progressing steadily. Stations like Lok Vihar, Pili Nadi, and Kamptee police station are at various stages of construction, with Lok Vihar scheduled to be commissioned by Nov 2025. Over 90% of land acquisition for the entire phase is completed. Once operational, the extension is expected to significantly improve access to public transport for residents in northern Nagpur and surrounding areas, easing pressure on road traffic and supporting the city's growing transit infrastructure.
