NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated in the Rajya Sabha on 12th December that the total length of operating metro rail projects has reached 824 kilometres, and 1,039 kilometres are under construction.
“The urban transport, let’s say metro rail, from zero in 2002 has come up to 824 kilometres, which is operational. Another 1,039 kilometres is under construction. So, it is rapidly expanding,” he said while replying to a supplementary question during Question Hour.
“We are on the path of those who are advocating bringing in more public transport and that is why we have gone from 0 to 824 kilometres, and another 1,039 kms coming up. That, in itself, is a testimony to the fact that public transport is being encouraged,” Puri said.
“We are already one of the largest metro operators. But, I am sure the time will come that we will be the second-largest metro operator in the world,” the minister said.
It should be highlighted that Delhi NCR dominates the metro rail network among all Indian cities.
Within the 824 kilometres of operating metro rail in the nation, Delhi NCR’s metro network covers 391 km, with 286 stations dispersed throughout 12 corridors.
Most metro rail projects are undertaken either as federally funded initiatives or in cooperation with state governments.
However, as metro rail systems have grown in popularity, state governments have initiated metro rail construction projects independently.
The Telangana government recently announced plans to construct a 31 km metro rail route to link the airport with Hyderabad’s IT hub. Except for 10% from GMR Airports, the state government is responsible for funding this project.
