India’s rapid urbanization and expansion of its metro rail network are on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone. According to Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s burgeoning metro network is primed to outstrip that of the United States in the next two to three years, firmly securing its position as the second-largest in the world. This ascent comes on the heels of India’s already impressive status as the third-largest metro network globally.
Minister Puri delivered this proclamation during the inaugural session of the 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference cum Expo 2023, held in New Delhi. He underscored the remarkable pace of growth witnessed in India’s metro network over recent years. In 2014, a mere 248 kilometers of metro rail was operational in India. However, in a mere span of nine years, an astounding 895 kilometers of metro lines have become operational across 20 different cities.
Puri emphasized the transformative impact of the metro network on the lives of Indian citizens, bringing them enhanced comfort, stability, and security. He revealed that the metro network now garners a daily ridership of approximately 1 crore, with expectations of further growth due to improved last-mile connectivity and other factors.
The minister credited the shift in the government’s approach to urban transport issues, particularly post-2014. This period witnessed a shift where rapid urbanization was embraced as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Puri also highlighted the vital role played by the Regional Rapid Transit System and Vande Bharat Trains in bolstering regional and inter-city connectivity.
The Indian government’s endeavors to revolutionize urban transport have encompassed initiatives such as FAME-I, FAME-II, and the PM-eBus Seva Scheme. The PM-e-bus Sewa scheme is poised to enhance city bus operations, especially in cities lacking organized bus services. Furthermore, it plans to deploy an additional 10,000 e-buses through a PPP model in 169 cities, accompanied by support for the necessary infrastructure, including bus depots and power infrastructure behind the meter.
The scheme also envisages several environment-friendly measures, including bus priority infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), and charging infrastructure. These initiatives fall under the umbrella of Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI).
Minister Puri’s vision for sustainable urban transport extends beyond promoting green mobility through e-vehicles. It also involves a strong focus on biofuel blending, clean energy alternatives such as biogas, and Green Hydrogen, aligning India with environmentally conscious transportation solutions.
This progression signifies a monumental achievement in India’s journey towards fostering efficient and environmentally friendly urban transport, showcasing the nation’s commitment to creating a sustainable and modernized transportation ecosystem.
