A Nation on the Move
India’s cities are undergoing a rapid transformation, and at the heart of this change lies a silent revolution on steel tracks — the metro rail. Designed to tackle congestion, curb pollution, and connect millions of daily commuters, the metro network is expanding at an unprecedented pace. From a modest 248 km in 2014, the India’s cities are undergoing a rapid transformation, and at the heart of this change lies a silent revolution on steel tracksis on track to reach 1,013 km by 2025, placing India among the top global leaders in urban rail connectivity. This ambitious expansion, backed by forward-thinking policies, bold investments, and cutting-edge technology, is redefining the future of public transport in the country.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Scale
India’s metro journey began in the early 2000s, with Delhi pioneering the concept of rapid urban rail. What started as a cautious experiment has evolved into a nationwide success story. Today, metros serve as the lifeline of more than 20 cities, easing traffic, cutting travel times, and reshaping urban mobility. The country now proudly holds the position of the world’s third-largest metro network — a testament to its urban development ambitions.
Explosive Growth in Numbers
The operational network has expanded from 248 km in just five cities in 2014 to a projected 1,013 km across 23 cities by May 2025 — a staggering increase of 763 km in just over a decade. Daily ridership has surged from 2.8 million passengers in 2013–14 to over 11.2 million today. The speed of new line commissioning has multiplied ninefold, from a mere 0.68 km per month before 2014 to nearly 6 km per month now.
Policy and Funding Framework
The Metro Rail Policy of 2017 has been pivotal, mandating Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMPs) and the formation of Urban Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs) to ensure integrated, sustainable systems. The policy also set a benchmark Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of at least 14% for central assistance and required private sector participation through PPP models.
Financial commitment has matched ambition. The metro budget for 2025–26 stands at ₹34,807 crore, more than six times the allocation of 2013–14. Over the last decade, investments of around ₹2.5 lakh crore ($28.8 billion) have been made, stimulating domestic manufacturing and infrastructure growth.
Make in India and Domestic Production
Under the Make in India initiative, at least 75% of metro cars and 25% of major components must be sourced domestically. This policy has enabled companies like Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) to supply over 2,000 metro coaches to major cities, significantly reducing import dependence and strengthening local industry.
International Collaborations
Global partnerships are fuelling this growth. The Mumbai Metro Line 3 (MML-3) — a ₹23,136 crore ($2.67 billion) project — is funded 57% by a loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the remainder from Indian central and state bodies. Such collaborations blend international expertise with domestic execution.
Green Mobility Innovations
India’s metros are increasingly powered by renewable energy. Delhi Metro’s vertical bi-facial solar plant in Okhla Vihar and 1 MW rooftop solar installation at Khyber Pass depot are pioneering projects. Regenerative braking systems, IGBC-certified green stations in cities like Kochi and Nagpur, and electric-hybrid water metros in Kochi highlight the sector’s sustainability drive.
Technological Advancements
Modernisation is as important as expansion. Key innovations include:
· NaMo Bharat Train: High-speed regional trains operating at 160 km/h on the Delhi–Meerut RRTS.
· Underwater Metro: Kolkata’s 2024 debut of a tunnel under the Hooghly River — a first in India.
· Water Metro: Eco-friendly boat connectivity in Kochi, linking 10 islands.
· ETCS Level II with Hybrid Level III: A world-first signalling system using LTE backbone.
· Platform Screen Doors (PSD): Jointly developed by BEL and NCRTC to improve safety.
· National Common Mobility Card: Unified payment for metros, buses, tolls, and retail.
· QR-based Ticketing: App-based tickets for seamless travel.
· Driverless Train Operation (UTO): First deployed on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line in 2020.
· Indigenous ATS (I-ATS): Locally developed system for automated train supervision, operational on Delhi Metro’s Red Line.
Upcoming Expansion Projects
The momentum continues with numerous projects in the pipeline:
· Pune Metro Phase-2: Two elevated corridors totalling 12.75 km, set to enhance connectivity to IT hubs and transport terminals.
· Delhi Metro Extensions: New links including Aerocity–IGI Terminal-1, Magenta Line to Indraprastha, Golden Line to Kalindi Kunj, and Noida Sector-51 to Knowledge Park V.
· Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2A: Direct airport link spanning 6.032 km.
· Bengaluru Metro Phase-3: 45 km addition at a cost of ₹15,600 crore.
· Water Metro Expansion: Feasibility studies approved for 24 more cities, including Guwahati and Dibrugarh.
Social and Economic Impact
Metros are not just transport systems — they are social equalizers. They connect business districts, educational hubs, and residential zones, allowing people from all walks of life to travel affordably and efficiently. They also catalyse economic activity by boosting real estate value, reducing productivity loss due to traffic, and creating thousands of jobs.
Challenges Ahead
Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain. Land acquisition delays, high capital costs, and integration with last-mile connectivity solutions need constant attention. Additionally, ensuring profitability while keeping fares affordable will test the financial sustainability of these networks.
Racing Toward Global-Standard Urban Connectivity
From the teeming platforms of Delhi to the futuristic tunnels of Kolkata and the waterways of Kochi, India’s metro story is one of ambition, resilience, and innovation. By 2025, with over 1,000 km of operational network, advanced indigenous technology, and strong international partnerships, India will not just have caught up with global urban transit leaders — it will be setting benchmarks of its own. This is more than infrastructure growth; it is the foundation of a truly interconnected, sustainable, and globally competitive urban future.
(With agency inputs)
