India’s metro network has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the third-largest globally with a total length of 1,000 kilometers. This achievement is the result of decades of sustained efforts to modernize urban transport, beginning in 2002 when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the first modern metro in Delhi.
Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, the pace of expansion has been unprecedented:
- Threefold Growth: Since 2014, the metro network has grown three times in length, adding an additional 1,000 kilometers.
- Increased Connectivity: Metro services have expanded from five to 11 states and from five to 23 cities.
- Surge in Ridership: Daily ridership has risen from 28 lakh in 2014 to over one crore, a 2.5 times increase.
- Operational Reach: Total metro train travel distance has tripled, from 86,000 km to 2.75 lakh km.
Namo Bharat Corridor: A Step Toward Enhanced Regional Mobility
As part of India’s urban transformation, PM Modi is set to inaugurate key metro projects this week:
- Namo Bharat Corridor: A 13-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor will be inaugurated, enabling faster regional connectivity. Built at a cost of ₹4,600 crore, the corridor will facilitate high-speed travel between Delhi and Meerut.
- Delhi Metro Phase-IV Expansion: A 2.8-kilometer stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park in West Delhi will become operational, benefiting areas like Vikaspuri and Janakpuri. This segment is part of the ₹1,200 crore Phase-IV initiative.
New Foundation for North-West Connectivity
PM Modi will also lay the foundation for the Rithala-Kundli corridor of Delhi Metro Phase-IV:
- Length: 26.5 kilometers.
- Cost: ₹6,230 crore.
- Coverage: This project will connect Rithala in Delhi to Nathupur in Haryana, improving access in areas like Rohini, Bawana, Narela, and Kundli.
Impact on Urban Mobility
India’s evolving metro network is set to transform urban transport by:
- Reducing traffic congestion in major cities.
- Offering affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly travel options.
- Boosting connectivity across state and regional borders.
With projects like the Namo Bharat initiative and Delhi Metro Phase-IV, the government continues to prioritize seamless urban mobility. This expansion reflects India’s vision for world-class transport systems, ensuring a better quality of life for millions.
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