India’s Metro Rail Journey: Set to Surpass US Network in Two Years, Becoming Second Largest After China
India’s metro network has expanded significantly in recent years and is on track to surpass the United States in length within the next two years. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced this potential milestone during the inauguration of the extended metro rail service in Indore. Currently, the U.S. metro rail network spans 1,386 kilometers, while India’s network has reached 1,170 kilometers following the latest extension.
Metro Network: India Could Overtake US Soon
Minister Lal stated that India is only 216 kilometers behind the U.S. in metro rail network length. The recent extension of the Indore line, built at a cost of ₹2,850 crore, contributes to this growth. He emphasized that China remains the leader in metro rail, with approximately 8,000 kilometers of lines.
The rapid expansion of India’s metro network is notable. In 2014, the country had only 245 kilometers of metro services across five cities. This figure has surged to 1,170 kilometers covering 26 cities. Lal mentioned that the metro rail system enhances the “ease of living” for citizens and aligns with the vision of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
India’s Metro Network Expansion
India’s metro network has evolved dramatically since the first service began in 1984. By 2002, it had expanded to 25 kilometers across two cities, and by 2014, it reached 248 kilometers across five cities. The introduction of the Metro Rail Policy in 2017 has facilitated further growth.
As of 2025, the operational network is expected to reach 1,095 kilometers, including the 55-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This expansion positions India as the third-largest metro network globally. Since 2014, 38 metro rail projects covering 1,051 kilometers have been sanctioned, with an estimated cost of ₹3.44 lakh crore. The annual metro budget has also increased significantly, from ₹5,798 crore in 2013-14 to ₹29,550 crore in 2025-26.
In addition to traditional metro lines, India has introduced various urban and regional transport solutions. The Namo Bharat regional train commenced operations on the Delhi-Meerut corridor in October 2023, achieving speeds of 160 km/h. Kolkata launched the country’s first underwater metro tunnel in 2024, while Kochi introduced the Water Metro in April 2023, connecting ten islands with electric-hybrid boats.
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