Delhi Metro Logs Record 81.8 Lakh Daily Ridership on Raksha Bandhan Eve

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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) achieved its highest-ever single-day ridership on August 8, 2025, recording 81,87,674 passenger journeys across all metro lines. The surge in commuters was driven largely by travel on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, surpassing the previous record of 78,67,000 journeys set on November 18, 2024.
To accommodate the unprecedented demand, DMRC operated 92 additional trips on August 8 and scheduled 455 extra trips for August 9, the festival day, ensuring higher service frequency and reduced wait times for passengers.
According to The Economic Times and The Times of India, several elements contributed to this milestone:
Festival Travel: Families across Delhi-NCR traveled in large numbers to mark Raksha Bandhan.

Monsoon Season Demand: Heavy rains prompted commuters to prefer the reliability and weather-proof comfort of the metro.

Operational Readiness: DMRC’s expanded service capacity allowed smooth handling of the surge.

The corporation’s robust infrastructure also played a role. With 29 interchange stations, passengers enjoyed seamless transfers across lines. Digital solutions such as the DMRC Saarthi App, One Delhi App, and integration of ticketing via WhatsApp, Paytm, and Amazon Pay further streamlined the commuter experience and reduced queues at ticket counters.
Despite careful planning, the extraordinary footfall caused crowding at major interchange hubs and on heavily used corridors, particularly the Yellow, Blue, and Violet lines. Social media users shared images and videos of congested platforms and packed coaches.

The Delhi Metro’s network now spans nearly 400 kilometres, connecting the capital with cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Seasonal spikes in ridership during festivals highlight its vital role in the region’s transport system.

While the metro offered a reliable alternative, road travel in Delhi faced significant congestion ahead of the festival. The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories warning of heavy outbound traffic and urged commuters to opt for public transport. Flooding and waterlogging, especially at Zakira and Azad Market underpasses, caused further delays and diversions.

The record ridership on Raksha Bandhan eve underlines the Delhi Metro’s position as the backbone of urban mobility in the National Capital Region. Through strategic service enhancements and a focus on commuter convenience, DMRC demonstrated its ability to meet extraordinary demand while maintaining punctuality and operational efficiency.