India has the third largest operational metro rail network in the world after China and the United States of America. In 2022, India had surpassed Japan to have the third-largest operational metro network in the world. What is noteworthy is that India has crossed the milestone of having over 1000 km of operational metro rail network.

India achieved this milestone when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2.8 km stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park of Delhi Metro Phase-IV on 5 January 2024. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar.

The first stretch of the 82 km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) or the Namo Bharat was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2023. It was a 17-kilometer section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot section (Uttar Pradesh). Now the service has been extended to Delhi with connection to New Ashok Nagar.

Metro Rail Network in India

Rapid transit systems in the urban areas also known as metro rails are an urban passenger transportation system on rails. The fast trains that connect the busy areas of the big cities could have underground, surface, or elevated rail tracks.

The London Underground rail system popularly known as “Tube”, was the first modern metro rail network in the world. It started its operation in 1863.

The first metro rail network to become operational in India was in Kolkata (earlier Calcutta) in 1984. It was a 3.4 km route that connected Esplanade and Bhowanipur, in the city and it was built with the assistance of the Soviet Union.

The first modern metro system was inaugurated in Delhi in 2002 and it is being operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The initial metro network in Delhi was built with the assistance of Japan.

Now DMRC operates India’s largest metro network with an operational network of 395 km.

Under Delhi Metro Phase 4, 112.32 km of rail network is under construction which includes the Rithala – Narela -Nathupur (Kundli) metro line. The foundation stone of the Rithala – Narela -Nathupur (Kundli) metro line was laid down by the Prime Minister on 5 January 2025.

India’s first underwater metro became operational in Kolkata in March 2024 which runs under the Hooghly river. The underwater tunnel is 520 meters long which the train crosses in 45 seconds.

Currently, metro rail services are operational in 11 states and 23 cities covering 1000 km of routes.

Also Read: NCRTC organises 1st Namo Bharat Diwas in New Delhi