Neeti Prakash examines the growing phenomenon of metro network in metro cities, mentioning how effectively they can integrate with other modes of transportation, including buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and non-motorised transport such as bicycles and pedestrian pathways. With attendant challenges, what is needed are concerted efforts from government authorities and private stakeholders to ensure their timely and cost-effective implementation.
Metro projects in India have become a crucial part of the country’s infrastructure development as they are improving the transportation scenario in various cities, reducing traffic congestion on roads, and promoting environmental sustainability as a mode of mass public transportation.
Today, metro trains are running in most big cities including Delhi and NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, etc. While Kolkata’s is the oldest and the first metro rail system in India, the largest and the busiest metro system is Delhi Metro. Unlike other transport infrastructure, most Indian metro projects are and have been developed in phases owing to various factors.
The success of metro projects depends on effective integration with other modes of transportation, including buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and non-motorised transport such as bicycles and pedestrian pathways. Integrated multimodal transportation systems ensure seamless connectivity and provide commuters with multiple options for travel, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles, ensuring last mile connectivity, and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Furthermore, metro projects in India are leveraging advanced technologies and innovative solutions to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. From state-of-the-art signalling systems and automated fare collection systems to real-time passenger information systems and energy-efficient trains, metro systems are embracing cutting-edge technologies to provide world-class service to commuters.
Despite their numerous benefits, metro projects in India also face challenges such as funding constraints, land acquisition issues, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from both government authorities and private stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation of metro projects.
In India, Metro rail systems are becoming popular as a mass transit option because road-based public transport systems like bus are unable to meet the capacity requirements. Also, the trains are fast and more comfortable and highly efficient. So, the Metro Rail Project in India has been instrumental in furthering environmental-friendly Low-Carbon Transport (LCT).
Modern urban planning
The Delhi Metro, a marvel of modern urban planning, symbolises the advancement of transportation infrastructure in the bustling metropolis of Delhi. Established in 2002, it swiftly evolved into an indispensable facet of the city’s transportation network, efficiently connecting disparate corners of the national capital region.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) was registered in 1995 to bring into existence the Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) in the region. It was in 2002 that the DMRC launched the first corridor of the Delhi Metro between Shahdara and Tis Hazari. Presently, Delhi Metro traverses 288 stations and about 392 km crossing state borders to reach, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, etc.
Each day, the Delhi Metro serves millions of passengers. The DMRC recorded an average 5.56 million passengers per day in 2023, which was 4.09 million passengers in 2022, and 5.05 million passengers in 2019. Weekends see more crowds with an average 6.02 million daily passengers in 2023, 4.47 million passengers in 2022, and 5.46 million passengers in 2019.
Beyond its sheer scale and efficiency, the Delhi Metro carries with it a profound environmental impact. Amidst the perennial challenge of urban air pollution, it emerges as a beacon of sustainability, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint. By providing a viable alternative to private vehicles, the metro system champions the cause of cleaner air and a healthier environment for Delhi’s denizens. Delhi Metro is more than just a transit system; it is a symbol of progress and connectivity, transforming the urban landscape while championing the cause of sustainability and inclusivity in the vibrant heart of Delhi.
Mumbai’s metro
The Mumbai Metro is another significant rapid transit system in India, aimed to decrease traffic congestion and travel time in the heavily populated city. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) established the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), a public sector undertaking, in June 2019 to perform operation and maintenance of Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR) all Metro corridors.
The project, the sixth longest operational metro network in India with an operational length of 46.4 km as of January 2023, is being completed in three phases. At the end of the construction, the city will have 14 high-capacity metro railway lines and one metrolite line. These will cover about 356 km of which 24 per cent will be below ground and remaining majority portion on elevated platform. These lines will have 286 stations serving the financial capital.
Initially, in 2004, the MMRDA had proposed a 146 km metro project plan with multiple lines. In 2015, a new plan approved 118 km and, finally, in 2019, when MMMOCL was established, it announced a new plan covering 337 km through a network of ten lines.
One of the key benefits of the Mumbai Metro is its contribution to environmental sustainability. By reducing carbon footprint and promoting public transport, the metro project has helped in improving air quality in the city. Additionally, the Mumbai Metro offers a comfortable and reliable travel experience to commuters, making it the preferred mode of travel for many.
The oldest and the finest
The Kolkata Metro started in 1984 with the aim to provide a convenient, affordable, and safe mode of transport to the residents of the City of Joy. One of the key benefits of the Kolkata Metro is its improved connectivity within the city. The metro network has connected various suburbs and business districts, making it easier for people to travel. Additionally, the Kolkata Metro has contributed to the economic development of the city by attracting investments and creating job opportunities.
Interestingly, more recently, Kolkata etched its name in the annals of history with the momentous inauguration of its underwater metro on 6 March 2024, heralding a landmark achievement in India’s infrastructure evolution. India’s first underwater metro, an integral part of the Kolkata Metro extension, it spans a distance of 4.8 km from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade and constitutes the second segment of the East-West Metro corridor, linking Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, the bustling IT hub of West Bengal. It has been built at a cost of INR 4,960 crore.
The firsts don’t end here as the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the east-west corridor also has the first transportation tunnel under ‘any mighty river in India.’ This tunnel passes under the Hooghly River. Additionally, the Howrah Metro Station, which lies in this stretch and at a depth of 32 metres below ground, is the deepest metro station in India.
This subaquatic metro venture signifies a substantial investment in Kolkata’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to alleviate congestion and fortify connectivity for residents and commuters alike. With Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration of the under-river tunnel, Kolkata ascends to the league of global urban centres boasting innovative subterranean transit systems.
Beyond its technical prowess, the underwater metro holds promise in catalysing the city’s economic dynamism by facilitating expedited and efficient commuter travel, thereby fostering business expansion and development along the metro route. Furthermore, the judiciously priced ticket structure ensures accessibility for a broad spectrum of commuters, rendering public transit an economically viable option for daily travel.
Metro projects have been initiated in several Indian cities. The Hyderabad Metro serving the residents of Hyderabad was started in November 2017 from the Miyapur rail station. Many cities in India are witnessing the rapid expansion of metro networks such as Agra, Chennai, etc. With their focus on efficiency, connectivity, and innovation, metro systems are paving the way for smarter, more sustainable cities in India and setting new benchmarks for urban mobility.