India’s metro network set to become world’s second-largest, to surpass US metro network in 3-4 years

(Financial Express) - India’s metro rail network is set to surpass the US network within the next 3-4 years, according to Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Sahu revealed that India’s metro network will become the second largest globally in terms of length, only behind China, whose extensive network exceeds 8,000 kilometres due to its population, urban infrastructure, and area.

Currently, India operates 973 kilometres of metro lines across 23 cities. The government is actively working to improve urban transport, with three major metro projects worth Rs 31,000 crore already approved in the first 100 days of the current administration. 

These projects include Bengaluru Metro Phase-3, the Thane Internal Ring Road Metro Project, and the southern extension of the Pune Metro Rail Project.

“In 2014, our metro network spanned only 248 kilometres across 5 cities. Over the past decade, 750 kilometres of metro lines have been added, bringing the total to 973 kilometres in 23 cities,” Sahu highlighted.

An additional 985 kilometres are currently under construction, making India the third-largest metro rail network globally, after China and the U.S. Indian metros currently transport over 10 million passengers daily.

Sahu also mentioned that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Namo Bharat Metro Rail Project has been submitted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Given the cost-intensive nature of these projects, their approval depends on feasibility and resource availability, evaluated by the Central Government.

He further discussed the upcoming expansion of the Delhi Metro, with Phase 5 set to add 350 kilometres, connecting areas in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and other parts of the NCR. The new lines will improve connectivity and address the growing demand for efficient public transport.

Speaking about the Rithala-Kondli metro project, Sahu noted that the Delhi government’s approval has been secured, and the project is likely to move forward soon. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and pending court permissions, construction continues at a rapid pace. 

“As for the Rithala-Kondli Metro Project, the approval of the Delhi Government was crucial. Without it, the project could not have commenced. I am optimistic that the project will be approved soon,” Sahu said. 

He praised the Delhi Metro for its efficiency and timely completion of projects, emphasizing its reputation as a world-class institution.