Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Limited (RMGL) and Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon South Limited (RMGSL) have announced significant increases in both ridership and revenue for the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. Haryana Chief Secretary TVS N Prasad highlighted these developments during the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited Board meeting. For the April to June 2024 period, total revenue surged by 10.49% year-over-year, reaching Rs 81.1 million. This boost is attributed to an 8.75% rise in ridership. Passenger numbers for the Rapid Metro network were 1.22 million in April, 1.348 million in May, and 1.23 million in June 2024. Prasad also discussed upcoming projects, including a new metro link connecting Sector 56 in Gurugram to Panchgaon. This 36-kilometer extension will feature 28 elevated stations. RITES Ltd has finalized the route and transportation system plans, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected by August 31, 2024. This extension aims to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in the Gurugram area. Regarding the Ballabgarh to Palwal extension, the state government is accelerating the project. RITES Ltd has submitted a draft feasibility report, with the final report due in September 2024. Updates on other extensions: - Bahadurgarh to Asaudah: RITES Ltd is conducting a ridership assessment for this metro connectivity project, with the report expected by August 2024. - Faridabad to Gurugram: A feasibility study for metro connectivity involving a double-decker viaduct, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is under review. - Chandigarh Tricity Comprehensive Mobility Plan: The plan for enhancing urban mobility in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali has been approved. The Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) will oversee its implementation, and RITES Ltd is preparing the detailed project reports. - New Delhi to AIIMS and NCI Badsa: RITES Ltd is assessing ridership for the metro project linking New Delhi to AIIMS and NCI Badsa in District Jhajjar. The 61 km route from HUDA City Centre to AIIMS, with an extension to NCI Badsa, will see its final ridership assessment report by September 30, 2024. (TOI)