Bengaluru Metro Hits a Record Rush Hour: 9.6 Lakh Riders Ride the RCB Victory Wave

On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro experienced an incredible surge in daily commuters as the city celebrated the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) historic IPL victory. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) reported an astonishing 9,66,732 passengers, marking its highest single-day ridership ever. This milestone highlights the Metro’s essential role in urban mobility during significant public events.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠The Purple Line alone recorded 4.78 lakh boardings, while the Green Line saw 2.84 lakh, with the Majestic interchange bustling with an impressive 2.03 lakh footfalls.

 

•⁠  ⁠Central Business District (CBD) stations—Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, MG Road, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya—were teeming with fans making their way to the parade and celebrations at Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium.

 

•⁠  ⁠The massive turnout led to temporary closures of Cubbon Park and Dr BR Ambedkar Vidhana Soudha stations, along with a brief suspension of ticketing services to ensure crowd safety.

 

•⁠  ⁠The previous ridership record stood at 9.08 lakh, set on April 17, 2025.

 

•⁠  ⁠Tragically, the festivities were overshadowed by a stampede-like situation outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in 11 fatalities.

 

Outlook

 

While this surge showcases the Metro’s ability to accommodate large crowds, it also raises pressing concerns about event management and commuter safety. As Bengaluru continues to expand, the Metro’s reliability and adaptability will be vital, along with effective crowd control measures during major city events.

 

Source: Times Now, Deccan Herald, New Indian Express, The Hindu BusinessLine, Hindustan Times, The Hans India