Ahmedabad Metro saw a record-breaking surge in passenger numbers on the 25th and 26th of January, during the Coldplay concerts at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) recorded 2,13,735 journeys on the 25th of January and 1,91,529 journeys on the 26th of January, marking the highest-ever passenger count in the metro’s history. A total of 4,05,264 journeys were made over the two days! With metro stations conveniently located near the stadium, it became the most accessible and efficient mode of public transport for concertgoers.
Nearly 1 lakh additional passengers, massive revenue boost for GMRC
The surge was due to the influx of concertgoers, with nearly 1 lakh additional metro passengers, compared to typical Saturdays and Sundays in the previous weeks. GMRC responded by extending services until 12:30 AM and increasing train frequency to every 8 minutes along the Motera to APMC and Vastral Gam to Thaltej Gam routes. Extra trips were also added, with 93 additional trips on the 25th of January and 114 on the 26th of January.
The concert not only set passenger journey records but also brought in a significant revenue boost for GMRC, with ₹34 lakh on January 25 and ₹32 lakh on January 26—well above the usual daily earnings of ₹15 lakh.
The smooth operations were made possible due to effective coordination between GMRC, the state government, municipal corporation, police, and security agencies, ensuring a safe and efficient experience for passengers. The Coldplay concert’s success in driving metro traffic surpassed previous records set during major cricket events, showcasing Ahmedabad Metro’s critical role in facilitating large-scale events.
