Ahmedabad Metro hits a six : over 1.5 million riders during IPL!

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — The roar of the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium wasn’t the only sound echoing through Ahmedabad during the recent IPL season. The hum of the Ahmedabad Metro, a silent but powerful force, played a pivotal role in the city’s ability to host nine high-octane cricket matches seamlessly. 

With over 1.5 million passengers opting for the metro during these games, and a staggering revenue exceeding ₹2 crore in just nine days, the Ahmedabad Metro has firmly established itself as the preferred mode of transport for large-scale events, offering a welcome respite from the city’s notorious traffic woes and parking predicaments.

“It was a no-brainer,” exclaimed Rohan Shah, a fervent cricket fan who attended multiple matches. “Trying to find parking near the stadium is a nightmare, and getting stuck in traffic after a late-night game is even worse. The metro was a godsend. Fast, efficient, and so convenient!” 

His sentiments were echoed by Priya Sharma, a first-time metro user for an IPL match. “I was a bit hesitant at first, but honestly, it was such a smooth experience. The stations were well-managed, and the trains were frequent. It made attending the match so much more enjoyable.”

The sheer volume of commuters speaks volumes about the metro’s impact. On March 25th, an impressive 1,59,923 passengers rode the metro, generating ₹21.74 lakhs. This trend continued, with peak ridership reaching 2,13,336 on June 3rd, the day of the IPL final, alone contributing ₹32.12 lakhs to the metro’s coffers. Other significant days included March 29th (1,83,618 passengers, ₹30.90 lakhs) and May 2nd (1,97,388 passengers, ₹29.30 lakhs). Even on days with slightly lower footfall like May 22nd (1,21,475 passengers, ₹17.51 lakhs), the numbers remained robust, demonstrating consistent public reliance on the metro.

“The metro has truly transformed how we experience major events in Ahmedabad,” stated a spokesperson for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). “We are delighted to see such an overwhelming response from the public, and it validates our efforts to provide a world-class, sustainable, and efficient public transportation system.” The success during the IPL not only highlights the metro’s operational efficiency but also its critical role in promoting urban mobility and reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass gatherings.