India to soon surpass US in Metro rail network length, says Minister Khattar

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said India is set to overtake the United States in total Metro rail network length, reflecting the country’s rapid urban infrastructure expansion.

Currently, India ranks third globally with a Metro network spanning 1,083 km . With the inauguration of the first phase of the Bhopal Metro’s Orange Line “Priority Corridor” , an additional 7 km will bring the total to 1,090 km . China leads the list, followed by the US with 1,400 km of Metro corridors. According to Khattar, with 900 km of Metro projects underway , India will surpass the US once around 300 km of new lines are completed.

The Bhopal Metro , the 26th city in India to get Metro services, aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and provide citizens with faster, more efficient travel. The Priority Corridor , a nearly 7-km elevated section with eight stations, is expected to carry 3,000 passengers daily . The total cost of the Bhopal Metro is ₹10,033 crore , with the Priority Corridor costing ₹2,225 crore .

Khattar highlighted that India’s expanding Metro network is part of a broader push for modern, sustainable urban transport . It supports India’s smart city initiatives , provides economic and social benefits by connecting residential, commercial, and industrial hubs, and aligns with environmental goals by reducing road traffic and vehicular emissions.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also participated in the inauguration programme, underlining the growing focus on efficient and world-class urban infrastructure across Indian cities.