India Set to Overtake the US; Poised to Become World's Second-Largest Metro Rail Network in Two Years

India's metro rail network is expanding rapidly. The total length of the metro system currently stands at 1,170 kilometers. Within the next two years, India could overtake the US to become the country with the second-largest metro rail network in the world.

New metro routes are continuously being launched across the country, and existing lines are being rapidly expanded. As a result, the total length of India's metro rail network has now reached 1,170 kilometers.

The government estimates that, given the current pace of expansion, India could surpass the US in terms of metro network length within the next two years. If this happens, India will become the country with the second-largest metro rail network globally, trailing only China.

What is the gap between the US and India?

According to Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, the US currently has a metro rail network spanning approximately 1,386 kilometers, while India's network has reached 1,170 kilometers.

This leaves a gap of about 216 kilometers between the two nations. Given the rapid pace at which new routes are being constructed in India, the government expects this gap to be bridged within the next two years.

How much has the metro network grown since 2014?

Metro rail expansion in India has accelerated significantly over the past few years. In 2014, the country had a metro network covering only about 245 kilometers across five cities. Now, the metro system has expanded to 26 cities, and the total network length has reached 1,170 kilometers. In other words, both the reach and the total length of the metro rail system have seen a massive increase over the last decade.

Who is in the lead?

China currently leads the world in terms of metro rail network length, boasting a network of approximately 8,000 kilometers. It is followed by the US and India.

India's goal is no longer limited to providing metro rail networks solely to major metropolitan cities. Work on metro rail projects is underway in several other cities across the country as well. The development of new routes will further expand India's metro network.

What is the situation in Indore?

Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, has also joined the growing metro rail network. A new metro rail route was recently inaugurated there. With this addition, the metro rail network in Indore now spans a route of approximately 17 kilometers, featuring 16 stations.