From The Economic Times · Trending Desk · · 3m
India's metro network reaches world's third largest
From one Kolkata line in 1984 to 1,155 km across 26 cities, India's urban rail boom is reshaping how millions commute.
In brief
From one Kolkata line in 1984 to 1,155 km across 26 cities, India's urban rail boom is reshaping how millions commute. India's metro network has grown from a single line to the world's third-largest system in four decades, with 791 km more under construction across 27 cities. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
From one line to 1,155 km
India's first metro opened in Kolkata in 1984. Today, the network spans 1,155 km across 26 cities, making it the world's third-largest operational metro system.
Explosive growth since 2014
In 2014, India had just 248 km of metro across five cities. By March 2026, that had jumped to 1,155 km across 26 cities, driven by accelerating construction.
Construction pace accelerated sixfold
Metro commissioning averaged 0.68 km per month before 2014, then jumped to 6 km per month afterward. India is now building metro lines five times faster than before.
Ridership surged tenfold
Daily metro passengers jumped from 28 lakh in 2013-14 to 1.15 crore in 2026. The network now moves more than 11.5 million people every day across India.
Budget support quintupled
Annual metro funding grew from Rs 5,798 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 29,550 crore in 2025-26. Government investment in urban rail has accelerated alongside network expansion.
Delhi remains the metro hub
Delhi's metro network extends into Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, connecting residential areas, commercial centres and employment hubs across the National Capital Region.
791 km more under construction
Government data shows 791 km of metro lines are currently under construction across 27 cities. Major projects include extensions in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune.
Indore shows tier-2 city growth
Indore's new 11-km metro section opened September 5, 2025, bringing the city's network to 17 km with 16 stations. The expansion cost Rs 2,850 crore.
Bhopal becomes 26th metro city
Bhopal launched metro services in December 2025, becoming India's 26th city with operational metro rail. The network reached 1,090 km at that milestone.
Namo Bharat adds regional transit
The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor began operations in October 2023, connecting major urban centres with surrounding cities at speeds up to 160 kmph.
Underwater and water metros emerge
Kolkata opened India's first underwater metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly in 2024. Kochi launched the country's first Water Metro system using boats to connect islands.
Integration matters more than distance
As India's metro network expands, success depends on last-mile connectivity, integration with buses and trains, affordability and financial sustainability, not just kilometres added.
At a glance
India's metro network has grown from a single line to the world's third-largest system in four decades, with 791 km more under construction across 27 cities.
