During the inauguration, he highlighted a remarkable achievement: India's metro rail network now spans over 1,000 kilometres.

This feat, realised in just a decade, is a testament to India's commitment to modernising public transport, reducing urban congestion, and fostering sustainable development.

A decade of expansion and innovation

The past 10 years have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in India's metro rail network.

India’s metro journey began with the Kolkata Metro, which started operations in 1984, marking a milestone in public transportation.

As India’s first underground metro, it set the stage for modern urban transit systems.

Nearly two decades later, the Delhi Metro revolutionised urban mobility in 2002, introducing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced technology, and eco-friendly features.

This marked a shift towards efficient, reliable, and sustainable public transport across metropolitan cities.

The success of these systems inspired metro expansions in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, transforming urban commutes and reducing congestion, while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability in urban India.

As of today, more than 20 cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Lucknow, boast metro networks.

This growth is not just about numbers but also about innovation, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

In the last 10 years, metro projects have received a significant push.

Policies encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), streamlined approval processes, and enhanced funding mechanisms have catalysed this progress.

The 'Make in India' initiative has further boosted the indigenisation of metro components, reducing costs and fostering self-reliance in metro technology.

Delhi-Meerut RRTS: A game-changer

The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor represents a new era in India's mass transit systems.

This Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is designed to provide high-speed connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, significantly reducing travel time and improving commuter convenience.

The newly inaugurated section between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar has state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed trains capable of running at 180 km/h, ensuring faster and more comfortable travel.

The RRTS is not merely a transportation project but a harbinger of economic growth.

Connecting key urban and peri-urban centres is expected to spur real estate development, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for millions of people.

Metro network growth: Key drivers

Several factors have contributed to the exponential growth of India's metro rail network:

Urbanization and population growth: With rapid urbanization and increasing population density in cities, the demand for efficient public transport has skyrocketed. Metro systems offer a viable solution to urban congestion, reducing dependence on private vehicles and alleviating traffic woes.

Environmental sustainability: The metro rail is a green mode of transport, with minimal carbon emissions compared to road-based vehicles. It aligns with India’s commitment to combating climate change and reducing its carbon footprint under international agreements like the Paris Accord.

Government policies and investments: The government’s proactive policies, including the Metro Rail Policy of 2017, have streamlined the planning and implementation of metro projects. Central and state governments have allocated substantial funds, supplemented by loans from international financial institutions like the World Bank and JICA.

Technological advancements: India's metro systems have embraced cutting-edge technologies such as driverless trains, automated fare collection systems, and real-time monitoring. These innovations have enhanced safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Integration with other modes of transport: Efforts to integrate metro services with bus networks, suburban railways, and last-mile connectivity solutions have improved accessibility and convenience for commuters.

Economic and social impact

The expansion of the metro network has had far-reaching economic and social implications:

Reduced travel time: Metro systems have drastically cut travel times, enabling commuters to save valuable hours each day. This has a direct impact on productivity and work-life balance.

Boost to real estate: Metro connectivity has led to a surge in property values in areas surrounding metro stations, fostering urban development.

Job creation: The construction, operation, and maintenance of metro projects have created thousands of jobs, contributing to economic growth.

Enhanced mobility for all: With features like elevators, escalators, and reserved seating, metros have improved accessibility for the elderly and differently-abled.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite the impressive progress, challenges remain. High capital costs, land acquisition issues, and delays in project execution are persistent hurdles.

Additionally, ensuring financial viability and affordability for passengers is crucial.

To address these challenges, the government is focusing on:

Innovative financing models: Exploring new revenue streams, such as property development around metro stations and advertising, to make projects financially sustainable.

Green energy integration: Increasing the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, in metro operations to further reduce environmental impact.

Expanding coverage: Extending metro services to tier-2 and tier-3 cities to ensure equitable urban development.

Improving last-mile connectivity: Enhancing feeder services and promoting non-motorised transport options like bicycles and e-scooters for seamless connectivity.

India's achievement of a 1,000-kilometre metro network in just a decade reflects the nation’s ambition and capability to modernise urban infrastructure.

As cities continue to grow, the metro rail system will play an increasingly vital role in shaping sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban mobility.

The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, with its cutting-edge features and transformative potential, epitomises this progress.

It stands as a symbol of India’s vision for a connected future, where metros not only move people but also drive economic and social development.

With continued investment, innovation, and commitment, India's metro network, which grew from just 248 kilometres across five cities in 2014 to over 1,000 kilometres spanning 23 cities in 2024, is set to reach even greater heights in the years to come.