New Delhi
To accelerate the country’s urban transport and ensure permanent transport solutions, the government has initiated several transformational initiatives. The purpose of these steps is to ensure that metro projects are durable, economically viable and technically advanced. Through visionary policies, adventure investments and smart partnerships, the government is laying the foundation of a clean, faster and more connected urban future.
India’s metro network has increased from 248 km (2014) to 1,013 km (2025). India has invested ₹ 2.5 lakh crore (US $ 28.86 billion) and has made more than 2,000 metro coaches at the domestic level. At the same time, initiatives like Make in India, solar power stations and driverless metro are promoting clean and prepared transport for future.
India’s metro trip symbolizing its urban awakening
In the early 2000s, from the first rail tracks laid in the big suburbs of Delhi to the busy, technical-operated networks spread in more than 20 Indian cities, India’s metro journey is a symbol of its urban awakening. Started as a cautious step towards fast public transport, this journey has turned into a nationwide movement today, which has streamlined daily traffic, has reduced the city’s congestion and has given a new shape to the region.
If seen, the metro is no longer a means of transport, it is a lifeline beating at the center of India’s development saga, which is inspired by the perspective of ambition, innovation and sustainable urban life. India now stands proud of the world’s third largest metro network, which shows its rapid progress in urban transport expansion.
Expansion of operations
Let us tell you, India’s operational metro network has increased from 248 km (2014) in 5 cities to 1,013 km in 23 cities by May 2025, that is, it has increased by 763 km in just 11 years. The average daily riders have increased from 28 lakhs (2013-14) to more than 1.12 crore, which symbolizes a transformational change in urban traffic.
Metro development data
The speed of starting the new lines has increased nine times: it has increased from 0.68 km/month (before 2014) to about 6 km/month today.
The annual metro budget for 2025-26 is ₹ 34,807 crore, which is more than six times the ₹ 5,798 crore in 2013-14.
Future direction: The major steps taken by the government-
Metro Rail Policy, 2017
The Metro Rail Policy 2017 instructs cities to prepare Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMP) and to set up the Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to guide the development of metro systems and give special emphasis on stability, economic viability and integrated urban mobility. To get central financial assistance, metro projects must ensure minimum 14% Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIR) and ensure compulsory private sector participation through public-private participation (PPP).
Make in India for metro railway systems
Under the ambitious Make-in-India campaign, the government has made a provision for domestic purchase of at least 75% metro cars and 25% major equipment and sub-system-this is an adventurous step towards promoting local production and promoting self-reliance in the transport sector.
At the same time, in the last ten years, India has invested around ₹ 2.5 lakh crore (US $ 28.86 billion) in the expansion of its metro network. This speed has promoted local construction of metro coaches. Under the Ministry of Defense, a public sector undertaking (PSU), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has supplied more than 2,000 metro coaches in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai by May 2024, which has strengthened domestic capabilities and reduced dependence on imports.
Global partnerships also speed up the development of metro network
Global partnerships are also accelerating the development of metro networks in the country. One such project, Mumbai Metro Line 3 (MML-3), ₹ 23,136 crore (US $ 2.67 billion) will bring radical changes in urban transport. A significant part of ₹ 13,235 crore (US $ 1.53 billion) or 57.2%of total financing is being provided by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) as loan assistance. The remaining funds are jointly provided by the Government of India, Government of Maharashtra/Mumbai Metropolitan Area Development Authority (MMRDA), which makes it a strong example of international and domestic cooperation in the development of infrastructure.
Green Urban Mobility
India’s metro rail systems are adopting green innovations. Delhi Metro has set up a vertical by-factor solar plant on an elevated airplad in Okhla Vihar and a 1 MW rooftop solar plant at Khyber pass depot, which is a pioneer in the use of land-free renewable energy. Other green initiatives such as the rejector braking system, which are widely adopted in metros, help to save power and reduce carbon emissions by converting braking energy into electricity. Additionally, several metro stations in cities like Delhi, Kochi, Nagpur and Pune have received Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification, which promote environment-friendly infrastructure. These efforts are in line with India’s stability goals and reflect the growing role of the metro in clean urban dynamics.
State -of -the -art innovation in India’s metro rail
It is noteworthy, the country’s metro systems are not only increasing in size, but their intelligence is also developing. Metro companies across the country are adopting new techniques, with a loud towards automation, digitization and stability.
Namo india train
India’s first state-of-the-art high-speed regional train
The operating speed of 160 km/h runs on (design speed: 180 km/h).
Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) run
Underwater metro
In 2024, India achieved a major achievement by launching its first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata, which will connect Esplaynade under the Hooghly River to Howrah Maidan.
This miracle of engineering is a symbol of India’s growing technical and infrastructure.
Water metro
Kochi in Kerala became the first city in India to start water metro.
Water metro connects 10 islands using electric-hybrid boats for uninterrupted and environment-friendly transportation
European Train Control System (ETCS) Level II signaling
The world’s first ETCS level II with hybrid level III system using LTE radio backbones.
Namo improves train safety, speed and real -time monitoring on Bharat route.
Platform screen door (PSD)
Jointly developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
Passenger increases safety and reduces platform-level accidents.
National Common Mobility Card
Integrated A nation, a card solution.
Metro, buses, Enables uninterrupted journey in suburban rail, toll and retail shops.
QR-based ticketing
Mobile App-based QR tickets make ticketing experience simple and digital.
Unmanned railway operations (UTO)
Significantly, Delhi Metro In many parts of the driverless technology is working, and it was started in 2020 on the Magenta Line. This increases efficiency and reduces human dependence.
Indigenous automated railway supervision system (I-ATS)
Local for the first time in India Developed at the level, ATS provides automatic local and central control and surveillance of rail operations and signaling. Combined by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and BEL, the system is now active on the Red Line of Delhi Metro.
Proposed metro projects
Metro expansion in India Planning and approval stages are gaining momentum with floods of new projects. It aims to improve connectivity to the end, promote urban development and provide clean, fast and more inclusive public transport in emerging and established cities. Some of these upcoming projects are as follows-
Pune Metro Rail Project Phase-2
Pune Metro Phase-2Which includes two elevated corridors (Vanaz-Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi-Vagholi) of 12.75 km length with 13 stations, approved and plan to complete it within four years. In detail, access to IT centers, educational institutions and intercity bus terminals will improve, which will increase the share of public transport.
Delhi Metro
Aerocity-tugrakabad The corridor’s Indira Gandhi Domestic Terminal-1 expansion (2.16 km, underground).
Magenta line expansion (Line 8) – Indraprastha (9.913 km, underground) from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg.
Golden line expansion (Line 10) – Kalindi Kunj (9 km, elevated) from Tughlakabad.
Noida Sector-51 From Knowledge Park V (17.435 km).
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2A
Extension of Ahmedabad Metro for direct connectivity from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport (6.032 km).
This detail will ensure convenient and rapid access to the airport for daily travelers, airport employees and residents across the city.
Bengaluru Metro Phase-3
Central government Has approved 45 km of Phase-3 at a cost of ₹ 15,600 crore.
currently, The city has 75 km of metro operations and 145 km under construction.
Water metro expansion
According to the model of Kochi Metro, the government has approved technical viability for water metro expansion services in 24 cities across India including Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur in Assam. This detail will help improve connectivity, reduce road congestion and promote permanent transport in cities.
In fact, from Delhi’s walking platform to Surat and Bhopal’s emerging rail lines, the metro is quietly weaving a new India, which is fast, skilled and clean. These are not just trains, these are the lifelines of India’s India, which provides not only the passengers, but also ambition, equality and flexibility.
India aspires to become the world’s third largest economy with an estimated GDP of $ 7.3 trillion by 2030, in such a situation, strong public transport like metro rail will be the backbone of its development, connects people, provide energy to cities and protect the earth.
