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India's Metro Surge: How We'll Overtake the US Within Two Years

India is on a fast track to becoming the world's second-largest metro network. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that with significant expansion underway, India will surpass the United States within the next two years. This growth is part of a broader push for sustainable urban mobility, including efforts to reduce pollution and enhance last-mile connectivity. The inauguration of the Bhopal Metro's priority corridor marks another step in this nationwide infrastructure boom.

Key Points: India to Surpass US Metro Network Length by 2027 Says Khattar

  • India's operational metro network now spans over 1,000 km across 23 cities, serving 1.2 crore daily passengers
  • With 900 km under construction, adding just 300 km will position India ahead of the US
  • Initiatives include promoting last-mile connectivity and electric buses to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070
  • The Bhopal Metro's new priority corridor connects key commercial and healthcare hubs to reduce congestion
3 min read

India to surpass US in Metro network length in two years: Manohar Khattar

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announces India's metro network will exceed the US's within two years, highlighting rapid expansion and green initiatives.

"We are planning seamless last-mile options in metro cities so commuters avoid bringing out personal vehicles. - Manohar Lal Khattar"

Bhopal, Dec 20

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar said on Saturday that India is poised to overtake the US to become the world’s second-largest metro rail network within the next two years, trailing only China.

Speaking after inaugurating the priority corridor of the Bhopal Metro's Orange Line, he highlighted the rapid expansion of India's urban rail infrastructure. Khattar noted that India's operational metro network has now exceeded 1,000 km across 23 cities, serving over 1.20 crore ( more than 10 million) daily passengers.

With around 900 km of lines in the pipeline and under construction, he expressed confidence that completing a significant portion of only 300 km within two years, India would position itself ahead of the US’s network. China currently leads globally with over 10,000 km of urban rail transit.

Emphasising pollution reduction efforts, the Minister said the government is actively working towards net-zero emissions by 2070.

Initiatives include promoting last-mile connectivity to discourage private vehicle use for reaching metro stations, converting crop stubble (parali) into fuel pellets as alternative fuels to curb crop stubble burning, introducing electric buses, and encouraging prefabricated construction.

“We are planning seamless last-mile options in metro cities so commuters avoid bringing out personal vehicles,” he added.

Khattar also mentioned resolving issues between the Centre and Madhya Pradesh government regarding a halted 7-km underground stretch in Indore Metro, paving the way for its resumption.

A pre-recorded message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was broadcast, praising the rapid development of infrastructure projects, positioning Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh prominently.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the day as remarkable, noting Madhya Pradesh now has two operational metro systems within a year, following Indore's inauguration earlier in 2025. Commercial operations for the public commence on December 21, making Bhopal the state's second metro city.

The inaugurated priority corridor on the Orange Line spans approximately 6-7 km (elevated), featuring eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Chauraha (MP Nagar area), MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati Station, DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. It connects key commercial, railway, and healthcare hubs to alleviate congestion.

The full Phase 1 includes two corridors totalling 28-31 km, costing over Rs 10,000 crore, with the priority section at Rs 2,225 crore.

Prioritising convenience, safety, and eco-friendliness, the metro offers high-speed lifts/escalators, wheelchair access, Braille signage, AI-based CCTV, platform screen doors, advanced signalling, regenerative braking, solar power, air-conditioned coaches, mobile charging, and modern information systems.

Trains will run from 9 AM to 7 PM initially, with 17 trips daily. Fares range from Rs 20 (1-2 stations) to Rs 40 (full corridor), without introductory discounts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see Bhopal getting this facility! The connectivity from Rani Kamalapati station to AIIMS will be a big relief for patients and visitors. Hope the fares remain affordable for the common man in the long run.
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Rohit P
While expansion is good, we must ensure quality and safety are not compromised for speed. Also, 900 km is "in the pipeline" but how many years will it actually take? Hope the deadlines are met. The features like regenerative braking and solar power are commendable.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently to India for work, the improvement in urban transit over the last decade is remarkable. The Delhi Metro already feels world-class. If this pace continues, Indian cities will become much more livable.
K
Karthik V
The focus on net-zero and using parali as fuel pellets is a smart, desi solution to our pollution problem. Jai Hind! But ministers should also talk about maintaining these systems properly. We build with fanfare, then maintenance suffers.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the scale of ambition. China's network is 10x larger, so there's still a long way to go for the #2 spot globally. But the growth trajectory is impressive. The tech specs with AI CCTV and platform doors sound very modern.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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