Bhopal: The metro’s initial shine faded on the second day, with a 65% drop in passenger numbers.

Madhya Pradesh: The Bhopal Metro Rail, which attracted considerable attention on its first day of operation, saw a significant drop in passenger numbers on its second day. ​​The number of passengers on the priority corridor between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar Metro stations nearly halved on Monday, indicating that the initial enthusiasm is waning. According to official figures, approximately 7,000 passengers traveled on Sunday, the first day of commercial operation. This number dropped to 2,896 on Monday, with only about 1,700 passengers having traveled by 6 PM. In contrast to the crowded coaches and long queues at ticket counters on Sunday, the metro trains were mostly empty on Monday, especially during the afternoon.

While the metro is still attracting city residents, most passengers appeared to be riding the trains out of curiosity and for leisure rather than for daily work-related commutes. Passenger traffic was mostly concentrated during the morning and evening rush hours, while the stations and trains appeared deserted during the midday hours.