India's Expanding Metro Network: Transforming Urban Mobility and Boosting Economic Growth

Metro network is an important part of India’s urban infrastructure. It alters how people travel and live within cities. Providing quick, safe, and efficient transportation, metro network is rapidly changing urban travel in the country. Currently, India has the third-largest metro network in the world. This network spans more than 1,000 kilometres through 11 states and 23 cities. On daily basis, it helps millions of passengers get through the country. India's vision is to be home to the world's second-largest metro network as its metro system continues to grow.

Growth of the metro network in India

Source: India Infra Hub, *- As of 2002, **- As of Jan 2025

• Multi-fold growth: Since 2014, India’s metro network has expanded threefold from 249 kilometres to approximately 1,000 kilometres as of January 2025. Before 2014, just 600 meters was being built, per month. This number has increased tenfold to six kilometres per month, signifying the rise in technological advancements and government support.
• Improved connectivity: Between 2014 and 2025, metro services in India experienced remarkable growth, expanding from five cities across five states to 23 cities in 11 states, significantly enhancing connectivity.
• Surge in ridership: The number of daily riders jumped from 28 lakh in 2014 to over one crore currently, a 2.5-fold increase.
• Operational reach: The total distance covered by metro trains daily has increased significantly, from 86,000 km per day in 2014 to 2.75 lakh kms per day in 2024, representing a threefold rise in operational reach.

Transforming urban mobility in India

In India, metros have made travelling in cities better. About one crore passengers use the metro every day, making it easier for city residents to travel. Before the metro started, people living in cities faced many commuting problems. The fast growth of the urban population made commuting a challenge. Traffic congestion, along with pollution, made travelling difficult for people residing in densely populated urban areas. Additionally, public transport facilities, other than local trains, were unaffordable for most people until a few years ago.

However, introduction of the metro rail system has transformed city transport for the better and provided a good and affordable alternative while mitigating harm to the environment. In 2017, the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi approved a new Metro Rail Policy that aims to facilitate the completion of metro rail expansion in many cities.

Influence on urban mobility

India’s developing market for metro transport will change urban transportation by:

• Easing congestion in populous metropolitan areas;
• Providing low-cost, safe, and environmentally-sound option to travel; and
• Offering connectivity beyond state and regional borders.

Be it Namo Bharat initiative or the Delhi Metro Phase-IV, the government is leaving no stone unturned for smooth urban mobility. This extension aligns with India’s aspiration to have world-class transport system to provide better quality of life to millions.

Advancements in metro systems

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.

Economic and social impact

The metro systems in India have changed the urban mobility system, providing faster travel, economic advantages, and enhanced connectivity. Expansion of the metro network therefore has far-reaching economic and social benefits. These include:

Metro projects across Indian cities

Source: News Articles (Data as of January 06, 2025)

Government initiatives

The expansion pace of construction of the metro network has been unprecedented over the past few years. Below are some of the initiatives focused on the Indian metro network:

• Metro Rail Policy 2017: This policy emphasised public-private partnerships (PPPs) in metro projects while ensuring systematic planning for metro expansion with the impetus of sustainability in urban mobility. It also encouraged integration with other transport systems and efficient resource allocation.​
• Make in India initiative: The government has invested Rs. 2,50,000 crore (US$ 28.86 billion) in metro projects over the last decade. Local manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative supported the production of over 1,000 metro coaches.​
• Green metro initiative: Focused on energy efficiency and sustainable practices, metro projects under this initiative incorporate renewable energy and advanced technology to minimise carbon footprints​.
• Delhi-Meerut rapid rail project (Namo Bharat): High-speed eco-friendly metro systems built by India are set to open regional connectivity between the national capital and Meerut, reinforcing India's commitment to advanced, sustainable urban transport. A 13-kilometer Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor offers high-speed journey between Delhi and Meerut.
• International investments: The Mumbai Metro Line 3 (MML-3) project is expected to entail a total investment of Rs. 23,136 crore (US$ 2.67 billion). Of the project’s expenditure, Rs. 13,235 crore (US$ 1.53 billion) or 57.2% will be loan assistance from Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The remaining will be from the Government of India, State government of Maharashtra/MMRDA through equity and subordinate debt as well as from Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL).

Summing up

India’s metro systems exemplify the nation's drive toward sustainable urban mobility, transforming how millions travel while fostering metro economic growth. Expanding from 248 km in 2014 to over 1,000 km across 23 cities by 2024, metro infrastructure in India has been reshaped with innovations like driverless trains and advanced technologies. India now has 1,018 km of metro lines under construction and is soon to surpass the USA, becoming second only to China. The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor highlights India’s ambitious vision for connected, efficient cities, which is anticipated to be completed by June 2025. As networks continue to expand, metros will remain pivotal in reducing congestion and driving inclusive development. India’s commitment to modernising urban transport offers a promising outlook for global standards in sustainable urban mobility.