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Bengaluru Metro Expansion Faces Ridership Shortfall, 30 Lakh Target Missed
✍️ TOI City
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 10:41 AM
👁 28
Despite extending its network, Bengaluru's Namma Metro is attracting only a third of the projected 30 lakh riders, with first‑ and last‑mile connectivity cited as the main hurdle.
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has recently extended its lines, yet the system is drawing only about 10 lakh passengers, far below the 30 lakh ridership target set by the city planners. The shortfall has raised concerns among officials and commuters alike.
Experts point to the lack of adequate first‑ and last‑mile connectivity as the primary reason for the low patronage. Without reliable feeder services, many potential riders find it difficult to reach metro stations from their homes or workplaces.
In response, the Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive mobility plan. The proposal includes improved pedestrian pathways, dedicated cycling lanes, and shared‑mobility options, along with the introduction of new bus routes and dedicated feeder services to bridge the connectivity gap.
The plan is still in the development phase, but officials expect that once implemented, it will significantly boost ridership and make the metro a more attractive option for daily commuters.
Experts point to the lack of adequate first‑ and last‑mile connectivity as the primary reason for the low patronage. Without reliable feeder services, many potential riders find it difficult to reach metro stations from their homes or workplaces.
In response, the Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive mobility plan. The proposal includes improved pedestrian pathways, dedicated cycling lanes, and shared‑mobility options, along with the introduction of new bus routes and dedicated feeder services to bridge the connectivity gap.
The plan is still in the development phase, but officials expect that once implemented, it will significantly boost ridership and make the metro a more attractive option for daily commuters.