New Delhi: India has reached a significant milestone in its urban transportation sector, as its metro rail network surpasses 1000 kilometers, making it the third-largest metro system in the world. This achievement, highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu during her address to Parliament, underscores India’s rapid infrastructure expansion and commitment to modernizing public transit.
With this development, India now ranks behind only China and the United States in terms of metro rail coverage. The metro rail network surpasses 1000 kilometers across various cities, reflecting the government’s continuous efforts to enhance urban mobility and reduce congestion in metropolitan areas.
The metro rail network surpasses 1000 kilometers milestone has been achieved through a combination of state and central government initiatives, with active participation from the private sector. Major metro projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune have significantly contributed to this expansion. The government’s focus on sustainable and efficient urban transport is evident in the continued funding and policy support for metro projects across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, lauded this development, stating, “The expansion of metro connectivity is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable urban transportation. The fact that India’s metro rail network surpasses 1000 kilometers is a testament to the government’s vision for smart and efficient mobility solutions.”
This milestone is not only a boost for urban commuters but also an essential step in reducing vehicular congestion and carbon emissions. With metro networks expanding into suburban regions, millions of people now have access to reliable and affordable public transport. Experts predict that the expansion will lead to a decrease in road traffic, lowering air pollution levels in major cities.
The success of India’s metro expansion has also strengthened its standing in global infrastructure rankings. With the metro rail network surpassing 1000 kilometers, the country demonstrates its ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently. This success also encourages international investors to participate in India’s growing urban transit sector.
Despite reaching this impressive milestone, India has no plans to slow down. Several metro projects are currently under construction, including Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro and new metro corridors in cities like Surat, Bhopal, and Indore. The government aims to expand the metro network further, reaching additional urban and semi-urban regions in the coming years.
As the metro rail network surpasses 1,000 kilometers, the government remains committed to integrating cutting-edge technology, improving last-mile connectivity, and making metro travel more accessible. The success of India’s metro projects serves as a model for emerging economies looking to build sustainable and efficient urban transit systems.
