Metro systems have transformed travel in India. Covering over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, millions of people rely on them for quick, easy and affordable travel. With this growth, India has become home to the third-largest metro network in the world. Metros are not just a way to get around—they are changing how we live and move in cities.
On January 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a giant leap in enhancing India’s metro network, making it more powerful and advanced. He laid the foundation for multiple development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi, including the inauguration of the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which will greatly ease travel between Delhi and Meerut. In addition, the PM launched a 2.8 km stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, benefiting West Delhi and laid the foundation for the 26.5 km Rithala-Kundli section, further strengthening connectivity between Delhi and Haryana.
These projects represent a major milestone in transportation, as metro systems now cover greater distances and serve over 1 crore passengers daily. With this growth, India has surpassed Japan in Metro Rail Projects in 2022. Currently, India ranks third globally in operational Metro network length and is on track to become the 2nd largest Metro network in the world.
Milestones in the History of Metro in India
The corridors and lanes of metro systems have reshaped urban travel in India, with a journey that began decades ago. In 1969, the initiative for a metro system was launched through the Metropolitan Transport Project. However, it took nearly two decades for the first step to become a reality.
Advancements in Metro Systems
Metro expansion in India has gone beyond just land-based transport, embracing innovative solutions for the future. From under-river tunnels to driverless trains and water metros, India is setting new standards in modern urban mobility.
Under-Water Metro: In 2024, PM Modi inaugurated India’s first under-water metro tunnel in Kolkata, where the Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section passes beneath the Hooghly River. This remarkable feat showcases India’s engineering capabilities.
Ø Driverless Metro: On December 28, 2020, India launched its first-ever driverless metro service on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line, setting a new benchmark for automation in public transport.
Ø Kochi Water Metro: Kochi, Kerala, became the first city in India to launch a Water Metro Project, connecting 10 islands around the city with electric hybrid boats. This groundbreaking initiative ensures seamless connectivity, with the first boat launched in December 2021.
Ø Approval of three Metro Rail Projects:
· Bengaluru Metro Project: 44 km expansion comprising two corridors.
· Thane Metro Project: 29 km network aimed at reducing congestion on the roads of Thane.
· Pune Metro Project: A 5.5 km route to further improve urban mobility in the city.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is currently overseeing the implementation of a metro system in Bangladesh and has offered consultancy services in Jakarta. Countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Kenya and El Salvador are also exploring collaborations with DMRC for their metro development projects.
