Building the Future, One Track at a Time: Labour’s pivotal role in sustainable Rail & Metro Projects

As nations worldwide push for cleaner, more efficient transportation systems, the rapid expansion of rail and metro infrastructure has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. But behind the gleaming stations, high-speed trains, and automated systems lies an often unsung force — the millions of workers whose labour powers every mile of track laid and every tunnel carved.

On the occasion of International Labour Day, it is imperative to recognize and reflect on the indispensable role of labour in building the rail and metro networks of the future, and to examine how empowering this workforce is central to achieving sustainability goals.

The Human Engine Behind Sustainable Transport

From skilled engineers and tunnel borers to welders, electricians, machine operators, safety inspectors, and maintenance crews — the creation and operation of rail infrastructure are profoundly labour-intensive. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), transport infrastructure projects generate some of the highest employment multipliers, particularly in developing countries where urban mobility demands are surging.

“Labour is not just a cost in rail development — it is the engine of innovation, safety, and sustainability,” says Dr. Maria Varga, an urban transit researcher at the Global Transport Forum. “No rail system can succeed without the knowledge, adaptability, and commitment of its workers.”

Green Projects, Human Impact

As the world transitions to green mobility, rail and metro systems are hailed as low-carbon alternatives to road and air transport. However, the sustainability of such systems extends beyond emissions. It includes labour conditions, safety standards, inclusivity, and skill development.

Modern rail projects increasingly integrate sustainable construction practices, such as using recycled materials, adopting modular construction, and incorporating energy-efficient technologies. Yet implementing these innovations on the ground requires a well-trained and protected workforce.

In India’s Mumbai Metro Line 3, for instance, thousands of workers contributed to the city’s first fully underground line — a project lauded for both its environmental impact and its comprehensive labour welfare programs, including on-site healthcare, education for workers’ children, and skill training.

Similarly, Europe’s Rail Baltica project — a multi-country initiative linking Finland to Poland — has emphasized local job creation, fair wages, and worker safety as part of its sustainability charter.

Challenges Still On Track

Despite progress, labourers in rail infrastructure continue to face significant challenges:

• Informal employment: In many emerging economies, large portions of the rail construction workforce are hired informally, lacking legal protections or benefits.

• Occupational hazards: Railway construction and maintenance remain high-risk sectors, with workers exposed to heavy machinery, tunneling risks, and extreme weather conditions.

• Skill gaps: As digitalization and automation transform rail systems, upskilling workers to handle AI-enabled signaling, real-time monitoring, and advanced rolling stock is becoming urgent.

“As we build smarter trains, we must also build smarter training ecosystems,” notes Arvind Mehta, Director of Rail Workforce Development at the World Bank. “The green transition is a people transition.”

Toward a Just and Inclusive Rail Transition

For rail and metro systems to be truly sustainable, governments, multilateral agencies, and private operators must adopt a ‘just transition’ approach — ensuring that workers are not only protected but also active participants in shaping the sector's future.

This includes:

• Fair wages and safe working conditions

• Investments in vocational and digital training

• Social security coverage for migrant and informal workers

• Gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), provide a roadmap for aligning rail development with labour rights and human capital investment.

Conclusion: Celebrating Labour, Powering Progress

As we commemorate Labour Day 2025, the role of workers in rail and metro development deserves not only recognition but renewed commitment. Whether it's the underground worker laying tracks in Jakarta, the signal engineer in Lagos, or the cleaner keeping Paris Metro stations running — they are all helping connect cities, reduce emissions, and create a more sustainable world.

Their labour is more than physical — it is foundational to a green, inclusive, and resilient future in global transport.