Delhi Metro saves a staggering 6,30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year—equivalent to planting over 10 million trees annually or taking nearly 1.4 lakh cars off the road!
India’s metro network has emerged as a symbol of modern urban mobility, revolutionizing how millions of people commute daily. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, this transformation is accelerating, aligning with the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. With over 1,000 km of operational metro lines across 23 cities, India now boasts the third-largest metro network globally, surpassing Japan in metro rail projects in 2022. The metro is not merely a mode of transport—it is a catalyst for sustainable development, urban growth, and national progress.
The Modi government’s focus on expanding metro systems across India is a cornerstone of its strategy for sustainable urban development and economic growth. By reducing road congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and fostering seamless connectivity, metros are key drivers in the realization of the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Transforming India’s Mobility: Recent Achievements
On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation for several landmark metro projects worth over ₹12,200 crore. These include the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which enhances regional connectivity, and the 2.8 km stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, which improves urban mobility in West Delhi. Additionally, the 26.5 km Rithala-Kundli section is set to connect Delhi and Haryana more effectively. These projects, serving over 1 crore passengers daily, are critical milestones in the journey toward a “Viksit Bharat.”
A Journey of Milestones
- 1969: The journey of metro systems in India began with the initiation of the Metropolitan Transport Project.
- 1984: India’s first metro line, a 3.4 km stretch between Esplanade and Bhowanipur in Kolkata, was launched, marking a significant milestone.
- 1995: The establishment of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) marked a turning point in India’s urban transportation planning.
- 2002: The first DMRC corridor between Shahdara and Tis Hazari was inaugurated, setting the stage for rapid expansion of the metro network.
- 2011: Namma Metro in Bengaluru became operational, introducing modern urban mobility solutions in Southern India.
- 2017: Chennai’s Green Line achieved a key milestone with the inauguration of its first underground metro section from Koyambedu to Nehru Park.
- 2020: The completion of Kochi Metro Phase 1, including the Thykoodam-Petta stretch, marked Kerala’s integration into India’s expanding metro network.
Pioneering Innovations
India’s metro network is embracing cutting-edge technology to set new benchmarks in urban transport. Key innovations include:
- Under-Water Metro: The Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section of Kolkata Metro, inaugurated in 2024, features India’s first under-river metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, showcasing advanced engineering capabilities.
- Driverless Metro: Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line launched India’s first driverless metro service in 2020, highlighting automation in public transport.
- Water Metro: Kochi’s Water Metro Project connects 10 islands with electric hybrid boats, promoting eco-friendly urban mobility.
These advancements underline India’s ability to integrate innovation with sustainability.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Development
The expansion of metro systems aligns with the Modi government’s broader goals of sustainability and urban development. By reducing road congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting seamless connectivity, metros contribute significantly to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. These systems also drive economic growth by creating jobs and boosting associated industries like construction, manufacturing, and technology.
1. Environmental Sustainability: Lowering Carbon Footprints
Metro systems are an environmentally friendly mode of transport that significantly reduce road congestion and vehicle emissions.
- Reduction in Emissions: According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), its operations alone save 6,30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern metro systems use regenerative braking technology, saving up to 30% of energy during operations.
- Green Certifications: Many metro systems, including those in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, have earned green building certifications, ensuring energy-efficient infrastructure.
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation
Metro systems stimulate economic growth by boosting job creation and associated industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.
- Job Creation: Metro projects in India have directly and indirectly generated over 50,000 jobs annually, spanning construction, operations, and maintenance sectors.
- Boost to Manufacturing: The Modi government’s Make in India initiative has encouraged the indigenization of metro components, with 70% of metro coaches now being manufactured in India. For example, Bombardier and Alstom have established manufacturing plants in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- Real Estate Development: Metro connectivity has led to 20-25% appreciation in property prices in areas near metro stations, spurring urban redevelopment.
3. Urban Connectivity and Reduced Congestion
Expanding metro networks ensures seamless urban connectivity, saving time and enhancing the quality of life.
- Growing Network: India’s metro systems now cover over 1,000 km across 23 cities in 11 states, making it the third-largest metro network globally.
- Ridership Impact: Over 1 crore passengers rely on metro systems daily, reducing dependency on private vehicles and easing traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Integrated Transport: Metro systems are increasingly integrated with buses and regional railways, offering last-mile connectivity through innovations like bike-sharing, e-rickshaws, and walkways.
4. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Metro systems contribute directly to multiple SDGs, showcasing India’s commitment to global benchmarks.
- Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Efficient metro systems enhance urban mobility and promote inclusive development.
- Goal 13 (Climate Action): By reducing emissions and encouraging public transport, metros support India’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
5. Supporting the Vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Metro systems symbolize the transformative growth envisioned in Viksit Bharat @ 2047, contributing to both infrastructure development and social progress.
- Infrastructural Development: Over Rs. 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated for metro projects under Modi’s leadership, with ongoing projects in cities like Surat, Kanpur, and Patna.
- Social Equity: Affordable metro fares ensure access for all, bridging socio-economic gaps and connecting marginalized communities to economic hubs.
6. Global Recognition and Collaboration
India’s metro systems are also gaining global recognition, highlighting their role in shaping sustainable urban mobility.
- International Projects: India is collaborating with countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Kenya to share its expertise in metro development.
- Recognition: Indian metro systems have been praised for their cost-efficiency, built at 50-60% lower costs compared to global averages, demonstrating efficient resource utilization.
India’s metro network, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, is reshaping the nation’s urban landscape. By fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and enhancing connectivity, the metro system exemplifies the spirit of a developed India. As the network expands and integrates cutting-edge technologies, it serves as a vital pillar in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047—a vision that is not only inspiring but also increasingly achievable.
