India’s Metro Network Set to Cross 2,000 km Soon

India is poised to become home to the world’s second-largest metro rail network after China, with its total operational and upcoming metro lines expected to cross the 2,000-km milestone soon, said Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Sahu highlighted the rapid expansion of metro connectivity across the country. He said India’s metro network, which covered just 248 km in five cities before 2014, has expanded to more than 1,185 km across over 26 cities. Metro services currently carry around 1.5 crore passengers daily, while construction of another 1,000 km of routes is underway.

Regarding the proposed metro project in Bhubaneswar, the minister said the Centre is examining the city’s population and daily commuting patterns before deciding on the next steps. He added that future projects would be planned according to the demand for urban transport.

Sahu also stressed the role of efficient public transportation in economic development, noting that urban areas account for nearly 60 per cent of India’s economy despite housing around 35 per cent of its population.

He highlighted initiatives such as PM-eBus Sewa and Odisha’s Ama Bus service for promoting cleaner and more sustainable public transport. The two-day conference will focus on innovative approaches to making urban transport more accessible, inclusive and environmentally friendly.

State Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Union Urban Development Secretary Satendra Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee were among those present at the event.