By edukalive 
01
Achievements in Metro Expansion
-> Over 1,000 km of metro tracks cover 11 states and 23 cities.
-> Millions benefit from quick, easy, and affordable travel.
-> India holds the third- largest metro network in the world as of January 2025.
-> Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed for significant enhancements in the Metro network.
Recent Projects and Enhancements (Notable Metro Developments)
-> Inauguration of a 13 km stretch of the Delhi- Ghaziabad- Meerut Namo Bharat corridor.
-> Launch of a 2.8 km stretch in Delhi Metro Phase- IV for West Delhi.
-> Foundation laid for a 26.5 km Rithala- Kundli section.
-> Projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore initiated in Delhi.
National and Global Impact (Passenger Usage and Global Ranking)
01. Metro systems transport over 1 crore passengers daily.
02. India surpassed Japan in metro project lengths in 2022, ranking third globally.
03. Anticipated growth to potentially become the 2nd largest Metro network in the world.
02
Historical Milestones in Indian Metro
1969:: Launch of the Metropolitan Transport Project.
1984:: Opening of the first metro line in Kolkata between Esplanade and Bhowanipur.
1995:: Establishment of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
2002:: Opening of DMRC’s first corridor between Shahdara and Tis Hazari.
2011:: First segment of Namma Metro (Bengaluru Metro) built.
2017:: Chennai’s metro inaugurated its first underground section.
2020:: Completion of Phase 1 of Kochi Metro.
03
Advancements and Innovations in Metro Systems
A. Technological and Structural Innovation (Cutting-Edge Metro Projects)
01. 2024:: Inauguration of India’s first under- water metro tunnel in Kolkata.
02. 2020:: Launch of the first- ever driverless metro service on Delhi’s Magenta Line.
03. 2021:: Launch of the Kochi Water Metro connecting 10 islands with electric hybrid boats.
B. Expansion Projects Underway
01. Bengaluru Metro44 km expansion.
02. Thane Metro29 km network.
03. Pune Metro5.5 km route.
C. International Engagement and Consultancy
01. DMRC’s involvement in implementing and consulting on metro systems in Bangladesh and Jakarta.
02. Exploration of collaborative metro projects in countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and El Salvador.
04
India’s Metro Legacy and Future
Ongoing Impacts and Vision::
Evolution from the first metro line in Kolkata to advanced contemporary systems.
Contributions to sustainable urban development and improved urban mobility.
The metro network sets new standards and promises a more connected future.
Essential Sources for Further Reading::
Various press releases and reports from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and other relevant authorities. Official websites of Delhi Metro, Kolkata Metro, Chennai Metro, Kerala Metro, Bengaluru Metro, and Kochi Water Metro.
Source:: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090364