Metro Rail Expansion Accelerates Across India with 17 New Projects Approved
The Indian government has given the green light to 17 metro rail projects over the past five years, marking a significant push in urban infrastructure development. According to official data presented in Parliament, these projects collectively span 467.458 kilometers and represent a major investment in the country's public transportation network.
Current Metro Network Status and Benefits
At present, India boasts an operational metro rail network of approximately 1,096 kilometers, which includes Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors. This extensive network serves 26 cities nationwide, transforming urban mobility patterns across the country.
The metro rail system has proven instrumental in improving urban transportation efficiency by offering a reliable and high-capacity public transport alternative. Key benefits include:
- Reduced dependence on private vehicles
- Significant easing of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas
- Substantial reduction in vehicular emissions
- Considerable fuel savings for commuters
Parliamentary Query and Government Response
The details emerged during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament when Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sought comprehensive information about all metro rail projects approved over the last five years. The query specifically requested project-wise details including population considerations, data sources, eligibility thresholds, and projected ridership figures.
In a written response submitted to the Rajya Sabha on February 2, Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized the careful planning required for such infrastructure initiatives. "Metro projects are cost intensive, therefore these need to be planned carefully to ensure long term sustainability," the minister stated, highlighting the rigorous examination process these projects undergo at various government levels.
Detailed Breakdown of Approved Projects
The approved projects span multiple financial years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 and cover various cities across India. Notable projects include:
- Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase 2A & 2B (58.19 km, ₹14,788.101 crore)
- Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II (118.9 km, ₹63,246 crore)
- Delhi Metro Phase IV (20.7 km, ₹8,400 crore)
- Kochi Metro Phase II (11.2 km, ₹1,957.05 crore)
- Nagpur Metro Phase II (43.8 km, ₹6,708 crore)
- Pune Metro Phase 2 Extension (12.75 km, ₹3,626.24 crore)
- Thane Integral Metro Rail Project (29 km, ₹12,200.10 crore)
Other significant approvals include extensions to existing networks in Gurugram, Noida, and Lucknow, demonstrating the government's commitment to expanding metro connectivity across both metropolitan and emerging urban centers.
Project Evaluation Parameters
Each metro project undergoes thorough assessment based on multiple criteria including projected ridership, population data (primarily from Census 2011), and financial viability. The approval process follows established policy guidelines and involves coordination between central and state governments to ensure alignment with urban development goals.
This systematic approach to metro rail expansion reflects India's growing emphasis on sustainable urban transportation solutions that can accommodate increasing urbanization while addressing environmental concerns and improving quality of life for city dwellers.
