Overview
Nagpur Metro, also known locally as Majhi Metro ("My Metro"), is the rapid transit system serving the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra, India. It is a two-line, colour-coded network of 37 stations covering 38.2 kilometres (23.7 mi), and it has been promoted as the greenest metro rail in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated operations on 8 March 2019.
Riding it end to end as a visitor is straightforward. You enter a station, buy a ticket or tap a smartcard at the automatic fare collection gates, ride to your destination, and exit through the gates at the far end. The two lines cross at Sitabuldi, which is the system's interchange, so most cross-city journeys involve changing trains there. Because the network is compact and colour-coded, you can plan a trip simply by knowing your line colour and your direction of travel.
The network
Nagpur's public transport is built around the metro, supported by buses, auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing for the first and last mile.
- Nagpur Metro (rapid transit): Two colour-coded lines with an interchange at Sitabuldi.
- Orange Line — Automotive Square to Khapri.
- Aqua Line — Prajapati Nagar to Lokmanya Nagar.
- Suburban and intercity rail: Nagpur Junction is a major railway hub. The city sits near the zero milestone of India and is roughly equidistant from the major metro cities, with trains running through the day to all parts of the country; most metro cities are more or less an overnight journey away. A Vande Bharat Express also runs from Bilaspur.
- Buses: City buses are the most common transport for residents and can be crowded at times. You need to know the routes and numbers, and asking people at bus stops is a practical way to find your way. Star Bus service also operates here. Buses mainly go to Buldi station, from where you can reach other places, and frequencies are generally good enough for local destinations and the suburbs.
- Auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing: Yellow-and-black three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are a common way to get around, and apps such as Ola and Uber cover almost any part of the city. Taxis are available at the airport and railway station, and chauffeur-driven SUV taxis (locally called a "Qualis") can be hired by the day, week or month.
- Feeder services: To provide first- and last-mile connectivity, the metro project included feeder services such as shuttle buses, battery-operated vehicles, pedestrian facilities and bicycle-sharing schemes, with feeder routes covering the stations.
There is no tram, light-rail or ferry service in Nagpur.
Tickets & fares
Nagpur Metro uses distance-based fares with automatic fare collection gates at stations. Fares are approximate, are subject to change, and should be confirmed at the station or on the operator's official channels before you travel.
- Fare slabs (approximate): ₹10 for 0–2.3 km, ₹20 for 2.3–6.7 km, and ₹30 for 6.7 km and above. The minimum fare is ₹10 and the maximum is ₹30.
- Ticket types: Single-journey tickets are sold for immediate travel, and smartcards are available for regular riders. The system is equipped with automatic fare collection, so you tap in and tap out at the gates.
- Where to buy: Tickets and smartcards are obtained at metro stations; the automatic fare collection system is part of the network's infrastructure.
- Validity and zones: Fares are calculated by distance travelled rather than by named zones, so your fare depends on the length of your journey.
- Tourist passes: No dedicated tourist pass is described in the available information; a smartcard is the practical option if you plan several trips.
For buses and auto-rickshaws, fares are paid directly — bargain hard with auto drivers, as some are known to overcharge visitors, and ask a local pedestrian for a rough idea of the normal cost to your destination.
From the airport
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG) is about 7 km from the city centre and has its own metro station, Airport, on the Orange Line. That makes the metro the simplest public-transport link between the airport and the city. Taxis and cabs are also available at the airport if you prefer a door-to-door option.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing: Queue at ticket counters and fare gates, and let passengers exit before you board.
- Escalators: Stand on one side so that people in a hurry can pass; keep your luggage close to you.
- Priority seating: Seats reserved for women, the elderly and passengers with disabilities should be left free for those who need them.
- Eating and drinking: Keep food and drink out of the trains and station areas to help keep the system clean.
- Rush hour: Expect crowded trains and buses at peak times; move into the carriage rather than blocking the doors, and keep your belongings secure.
- Buses: City buses can be overcrowded, so be prepared to stand and to ask fellow passengers for help with routes and stops.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro / subway — मेट्रो (metro)
- Ticket — तिकीट (tikit)
- Line — मार्ग (maarg)
- Entrance — प्रवेश (pravesh)
- Exit — निर्गम (nirgam)
- Transfer / interchange — बदली (badli)
- Single fare — एकेरी भाडे (ekeri bhaade)
- Day pass — दैनिक पास (dainik paas)
Keep small change and a charged phone with a ride-hailing app handy, so that if the metro or buses are crowded at peak hours you can still reach your destination without overpaying.