India is set to surpass the United States in total metro rail network length within the next two to three years, according to Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal. The announcement underscores the country’s accelerated push toward modern, sustainable urban mobility.
Addressing the Regional Meeting of Urban Development Ministers from South-West States, the Minister highlighted India’s rapid growth in metro infrastructure. He noted that the country’s metro network has expanded to more than 1,100 kilometres across 24 cities, a remarkable rise from its presence in only five cities during 2004–05.
“We are approaching the metro rail network length of the United States, which is around 1,400 kilometres. With the current pace of development, India is likely to cross that mark in the next two to three years,” he said. He added that the progress reflects the strong partnership between the central and state governments in driving large-scale transport initiatives.
Manohar Lal also emphasized the broader economic significance of India’s urban transformation. He said that cities will continue to be the engines of growth, with urban centres projected to contribute nearly 80 percent of India’s GDP by 2050.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure in Telangana, the Minister highlighted ongoing support for metro expansion and redevelopment efforts along the Musi River. These initiatives aim to improve mobility, enhance urban connectivity, and boost the overall quality of life in the region.
With several metro projects under construction and others in advanced planning stages, India is positioning itself among the global leaders in urban transit development.