The Indian metro rail network is set to surpass that of the US in the next 3-4 years. According to Tokhan Sahu, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, India’s metro network is expected to become the second largest in the world in terms of length. Currently, India has 973 kilometers of operational metro lines across 23 cities. The government is working to improve urban transport availability and has approved three major metro projects worth Rs 31,000 crore within the first 100 days of the current government.
Over the past decade, India has added 750 kilometers of metro lines, bringing the total to 973 kilometers in 23 cities. With an additional 985 kilometers under construction, India now has the third largest metro rail network globally, after China and the US. Indian metros currently serve over 10 million passengers daily. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Namo Bharat Metro Rail Project was submitted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Central Government evaluates various aspects of cost-intensive projects before approving them based on feasibility and resource availability.
The Delhi Metro Rail Network Corporation (DMRC) is expected to expand by 350 kilometers in Phase 5. Sahu recently took a review meeting with DMRC officials to discuss the expansion. The new metro lines in Delhi under Phase 5 are expected to connect areas in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). The route map for Delhi Metro Phase 5 has not been proposed yet, but the new lines are anticipated to improve connectivity and meet the increasing demand for efficient public transportation.
Sahu highlighted the progress of the Rithala-Kondli metro project, noting that the Delhi government has approved the project and it will be considered soon. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and pending metro permissions in court, construction work for the Delhi Metro is advancing rapidly. Sahu expressed optimism that the Rithala-Kondli Metro Project will be approved soon, praising the Delhi Metro as a world-class institution known for efficiently completing projects on time.
Overall, India’s metro rail network is rapidly expanding and is on track to surpass that of the US in the coming years. With several major metro projects approved and under construction, India is set to have the second largest metro network in the world. The addition of new metro lines in Delhi under Phase 5 will further enhance connectivity in the region, meeting the growing demand for efficient public transportation. Despite challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delhi Metro continues to progress efficiently, with projects being completed in a timely manner.
