India Achieves Milestone: 23 Cities, 11 States, 1 Crore Daily Passengers – Now the World’s Third Largest Metro Network

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has officially become the country with the third-largest metro rail network globally, trailing only behind China and the United States. The network now spans an impressive 1,000 kilometers marking a significant milestone in the country’s urban transportation journey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the extension of Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line today continuing the legacy that began in 2002 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee launched Delhi’s first metro service.

A Rapidly Expanding Metro Network

India’s metro network has witnessed unprecedented growth, now operating in 23 cities across 11 states. In 2014, the metro was limited to just 5 cities in 5 states. Over the past decade, the network has expanded threefold, growing from 248 kilometers in 2014 to 1,000 kilometers today. Daily ridership has also surged with over 1 crore passengers using metro services compared to 28 lakh in 2014. Metro trains now cover a total of 2.75 lakh kilometers daily, a dramatic increase from 86,000 kilometers a decade ago.

Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat Corridor

Beyond the metro’s expansion, significant advancements are also being made in railway infrastructure. Today, PM Modi will inaugurate the first section of Phase IV of the Delhi Metro and a 13-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar. These projects highlight India’s commitment to modernizing urban transportation and providing faster, more efficient travel options for its citizens.