Haryana's urban transit system recorded a 13.55 per cent increase in metro ridership in 2025-26, the state government said. Between April 2025 and February 2026 the network carried 17.4 million (mn) passengers compared with 15.3 mn in the corresponding period of the previous year. The progress was reviewed at the 64th board meeting of the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi. The meeting noted sustained gains across operations and revenue streams. July registered the highest monthly growth at 22.93 per cent and all months showed positive trends. Fare revenue rose 12.64 per cent through January 2026, while non-fare revenue surged by 108 per cent driven by monetisation of station spaces, advertising and commercial activities. Those gains contributed to an operating surplus for Rapid Metro and strengthened financial resilience. The board identified further revenue opportunities to consolidate results. Officials said the auction of station naming rights and the addition of advertisement sites are expected to bolster HMRTC finances. The Chief Secretary welcomed the consistent rise in ridership and interpreted it as evidence of commuter confidence and a shift towards public transport under the integrated transport strategy. The Managing Director of HMRTC reported that operational improvements are complemented by steady progress on a pipeline of metro and regional transit projects. The board emphasised the need to align project delivery with fiscal sustainability. Key projects under consideration include the Gurugram Sector 56 to Panchgaon link, for which the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation is studying the detailed project report and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village. The Gurugram?Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has had alignment and station locations approved and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation is preparing the DPR. The Delhi?Kundli extension has been proposed for Haryana Cabinet consideration and the 136.3?kilometre Delhi?Panipat?Karnal regional rapid transit corridor has submitted a revised DPR for financial concurrence. DPR preparation has also been approved for a 17.09?kilometre intra?city corridor in Gurugram to enhance connectivity along Sohna Road.