Indore Metro Cuts Fares by 25% to Boost Ridership, Extends Discounts Through 2026
The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) announced a 25% additional discount on single-journey tickets for Indore and Bhopal metro services, effective October 11, 2024. The promotional offer will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. The move aims to address persistent challenges with passenger occupancy and revenue generation.
The announcement follows reports of low footfall and mounting operating costs. During its first 30 days of commercial operations, Indore Metro recorded approximately 75,000 passenger journeys, generating nearly ₹30 lakh in revenue against electricity expenditure exceeding ₹35 lakh. Average occupancy stood at just 24 passengers per train movement, representing 8% capacity utilisation despite trains carrying a capacity of 300 passengers.
Under the new scheme, return-journey tickets will offer a cumulative 30% discount, while group tickets will provide 35% discount. The minimum group size has been reduced from eight to two passengers. Single-journey tickets priced at ₹20 remain exempt from the additional discount. MPMRCL is also incentivising digital payments through its mobile application, offering wallet bonus amounts ranging from 8% to 15%, which when combined with ticket discounts could provide total benefits of approximately 44%.
