India’s Metro Rail Network Surpasses 1,000 km, Becoming World’s Third Largest

As of January 2025, India has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its metro rail network to over 1,000 kilometers of operational lines, positioning it as the third-largest in the world, following China and the United States.

Historical Development

Kolkata Metro Initiation (1984): India’s journey into metro rail transit began with the Kolkata Metro in 1984, marking the country’s first foray into urban rapid transit systems.

Delhi Metro Expansion (2002): The inauguration of the Delhi Metro in 2002 signified a major advancement, introducing a modern and extensive metro system that has since become India’s largest, with an operational network of 395 km.

Recent Milestones

Delhi Metro Phase-IV Extension (January 2024): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 2.8 km stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park, contributing to the network’s ex

Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS (January 2024): The 13 km segment of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as the Namo Bharat corridor, was opened, enhancing regional

Kolkata Underwater Metro (March 2024): Kolkata introduced India’s first underwater metro line beneath the Hooghly River, featuring a 520-meter tunnel traversed in 45 seconds, showcasing engineerin