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India has solidified its position as a global leader in urban mobility by becoming the world’s third-largest metro rail network, with an operational length of 1,000 kilometers. This achievement places India behind only China and the United States in terms of metro rail connectivity.
Metro Expansion: Transforming Urban Mobility
India’s rapid metro expansion has been a game-changer for urban transportation. According to MyGov.in, the citizen engagement platform of the Government of India, “1,000 km metro rail lines are operational now. Projects covering 998+ km are underway, reshaping urban mobility in India.” The country had already surpassed Japan in metro rail projects in 2022 and is now on track to become the second-largest metro network globally.
The network, which covered just 248 kilometers in 2014, has quadrupled in the past decade, serving as a lifeline for millions of commuters across 23 cities in 11 states.
PM Modi Inaugurates First Stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV
On Sunday, January 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 2.8-kilometer stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park, part of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, at a cost of approximately ₹1,200 crore. This marks the first segment of Phase-IV to become operational, benefitting West Delhi areas such as Krishna Park, Vikaspuri, and Janakpuri.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the 26.5-kilometer Rithala-Kundli section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, worth around ₹6,230 crore. This corridor, connecting Rithala in Delhi to Nathupur (Kundli) in Haryana, aims to enhance connectivity in North-Western Delhi and Haryana. “Key areas to benefit from this corridor include Rohini, Bawana, Narela, and Kundli, improving access to residential, commercial, and industrial zones,” stated officials. Once operational, the extended Red Line will facilitate seamless travel across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Government’s Commitment to Connectivity
Prime Minister Modi emphasized his government’s commitment to expanding regional connectivity. “Metro trains presently serve 23 cities in 11 Indian states, going far beyond Delhi and Kolkata. Only five states and five cities had metro services in 2014,” he said. The metro’s affordability, reliability, and efficiency have made it a popular choice for daily commuters. Plans are underway to expand the network to new states like Madhya Pradesh, ensuring its reach continues to grow.
India’s Metro Network: On the Path to Global Leadership
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had previously highlighted India’s ambitions to overtake the United States and become the second-largest metro rail network within two to three years. With ongoing projects covering nearly 1,000 additional kilometers, the country is poised to reach this milestone.
India’s metro revolution is not just reshaping urban landscapes but also driving economic growth, improving mobility, and enhancing the quality of life for millions of residents.
