India’s Metro Network Expands to 1,000 km, Now 3rd Largest Globally
India’s Metro Network Expands to 1,000 km, Now 3rd Largest Globally
India’s metro network has reached a remarkable milestone, expanding to 1,000 kilometers and officially becoming the third-largest in the world. This achievement marks a major leap in urban mobility, providing millions with faster, safer, and more convenient travel options across the country.
Spanning 23 cities in 11 states, metro systems have transformed public transportation, enhancing city connectivity and serving over 1 crore passengers daily.
Milestones in India’s Metro Evolution
India’s metro journey began in 1969 with the Metropolitan Transport Project. Key milestones include:
- 1984: Kolkata Metro launched India’s first metro corridor (3.4 km).
- 1995: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was established.
- 2002: DMRC inaugurated its first metro line (Shahdara to Tis Hazari).
- 2011: Bengaluru’s Namma Metro began operations.
- 2017: Chennai Metro’s first underground section was launched.
- 2020: Kochi Metro Phase 1 was completed.
These milestones have played a pivotal role in expanding India’s metro connectivity and technological advancement in public transportation.
Major Development Projects Unveiled
On January 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple metro development projects in Delhi, emphasizing expansion and modern connectivity improvements. Key highlights include:
- Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: A 13 km stretch inaugurated to ease travel between Delhi and Meerut.
- Delhi Metro Phase-IV: A 2.8 km stretch opened, improving connectivity in West Delhi.
- Rithala-Kundli Section: Foundation laid for a 26.5 km expansion to improve connectivity between Delhi and Haryana.
Approval of Three Major Metro Projects
India’s commitment to expanding metro infrastructure continues with the approval of three additional metro projects:
- Bengaluru Metro Expansion: A 44 km expansion comprising two corridors to further strengthen connectivity in the IT capital.
- Thane Metro Project: A 29 km metro network designed to reduce traffic congestion in the rapidly growing city of Thane.
- Pune Metro Project: A 5.5 km route aimed at enhancing urban mobility in Pune, supporting the city’s expanding transport demands.
These projects represent a significant push for urban mobility, addressing traffic congestion and improving public transport infrastructure in key cities.
Technological Innovations and Global Recognition
India’s metro network continues to break barriers with groundbreaking innovations:
- Underwater Metro Tunnel: Kolkata introduced India’s first under-river metro tunnel in 2024 under the Hooghly River.
- Driverless Metro: Delhi Metro launched the country’s first driverless metro service on the Magenta Line in December 2020.
- Kochi Water Metro: Kerala launched India’s first water metro with electric hybrid boats connecting islands around Kochi.
India has also surpassed Japan in metro rail projects since 2022 and is on track to become the second-largest metro network globally.
Global Collaborations and Future Expansion
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has extended its expertise beyond India, offering consultancy for metro projects in Bangladesh and Jakarta. Other countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and El Salvador, are also collaborating with DMRC for their metro development projects.
A Future of Connected Urban Travel
India’s 1,000 km metro milestone symbolizes rapid progress in urban mobility. From driverless trains to underwater tunnels, metro systems are reshaping travel, reducing congestion, and contributing to sustainable development. As expansions continue with new technological breakthroughs, India’s metro network stands as a global benchmark for modern public transport.
