Metro systems have transformed travel in India. Covering over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, millions of people rely on them for quick, easy and affordable travel. With this growth, India has become home to the third-largest metro network in the world. Metros are not just a way to get around - they are changing how we live and move in cities.

On January 5, PM Narendra Modi took a giant leap in enhancing India's metro network, making it more powerful and advanced. He laid the foundation for multiple development projects worth over Rs.12,200 crore in Delhi, including the inauguration of the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which will greatly ease travel between Delhi and Meerut.

Read in Hindi: दुनिया में तीसरा सबसे बड़ा बना भारतीय मेट्रो नेटवर्क

In addition, the PM launched a 2.8 km stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, benefiting West Delhi and laid the foundation for the 26.5 km Rithala-Kundli section, further strengthening connectivity between Delhi and Haryana.

These projects represent a major milestone in transportation, as metro systems now cover greater distances and serve over one crore passengers daily. With this growth, India has surpassed Japan in Metro Rail Projects in 2022. Currently, India ranks third globally in operational Metro network length and is on track to become the 2nd largest Metro network in the world.

The corridors and lanes of metro systems have reshaped urban travel in India, with a journey that began decades ago. In 1969, the initiative for a metro system was launched through the Metropolitan Transport Project. However, it took nearly two decades for the first step to become a reality.

Metro expansion in India has gone beyond just land-based transport, embracing innovative solutions for the future. From under-river tunnels to driverless trains and water metros, India is setting new standards in modern urban mobility.

Along with domestic progress, there is increasing international interest in India’s expertise in metro rail systems. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has offered consultancy services in Jakarta. Countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and El Salvador are also exploring collaborations with DMRC for their metro development projects.

Overall, India’s metro systems have come a long way, from the first steps in Kolkata to the advanced technological features seen today. With projects expanding across cities and innovations like driverless trains and under-river tunnels, the metro network is not just reshaping travel, but also contributing to sustainable urban development. As the network continues to grow, it sets new standards for urban mobility and paves the way for a more connected future.