Metro rail is very popular although it's costlier to travel in metro: A review

India is the most populated country in the world, with an estimated population of 1.44 billion and the 5th largest economy in the world. Developing infrastructure such as highways, roads, railways, metro rails, electricity, telecommunications, irrigation, water supply and sanitation, ports and airports, smart cities, oil and gas pipelines, etc., has not kept pace with the country's population growth. Infrastructure is the key to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The cities are constantly looking for innovation in establishing efficient Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) i.e. metro rails are offering solutions to urbanization’s challenges propelling the country to meet its sustainable development goals. 

Moreover, with the rapid expansion of urban centers in the country, public transport became a central focus area for several cities following the implementation of the National Urban Transport Policy of the Government of India.

The need for good public transport has been accepted by most policymakers, experts, and citizens in the country. Often this is justified to help reduce vehicular pollution, congestion, and traffic accidents in cities. In recent years, the availability of quality public transport systems has become important owing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals adopted by most countries.

The necessity for MRTS like metro rails is very much essential to stand as the suitable mode of transport that contributes in the economic development of the country. Hence, metro rail systems are called as economic growth engines of the country.The metro rail system is thus the superior mode of transport of all urban transport systems, as it has many value-added advantages to the travelling public.

India is poised to have one of the world's largest metro networks, with plans for over 1,100 kilometers of operational metro lines. Metros present a strong case for choosing cleaner and sustainable transport, laying the groundwork for greener cities. Today, advanced metro systems give precedence to energy conservation. Even metro stations are adopting solar power to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, metro companies are implementing eco-friendly practices such as rainwater harvesting and green building principles to minimize environmental impact.

Metro rails are witnessing a global surge, propelled by urbanization’s demands for sustainable transport in the cities. India has seen significant progress, with 17 operational metro rail systems across 17 cities, with the Delhi Metro Rail system leading as the largest among them.

The metro rails bring prosperity, faster accessibility and environmental friendliness for all users in terms of trade and business, income and employment opportunities, markets, shopping areas, business centers, education, health services, and tourism industry, etc. through a world-class metro rail transport system for the various cities of India is being developed by own Metro Rail Corporations with tremendous support from the Government of India and the State Governments as well as international financial institutions.

Notably safe and affordable, metro rail systems seamlessly integrate with diverse transport options, encouraging a shift away from private vehicles, thus curbing pollution. This adoption of electric-powered trains further aligns with India's sustainability objectives, contributing to cleaner air and eliminating harmful emissions directly linked to air and noise pollution in the cities.

Cities in the country grapple with notorious traffic congestion. This is also a challenge addressed by metro rail systems through dedicated tracks that bypass traffic, ensuring faster and more dependable travel. These metro networks intricately link crucial areas like business hubs, residential zones, and commercial centers, fostering economic prosperity and social connectivity. Metro initiatives catalyze urban growth, generating employment opportunities and vibrant commercial zones.

Metro rails are popular for a number of reasons

In cities, some of the metro rail networks are under construction of new and additional routes, and some proposed new routes for the cities such as Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhavnagar, Bhopal Metro, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jamnagar, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Madurai, Mathura, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Noida, Patna, Prayagraj, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Srinagar, Surat, Trivandrum, Uttarakhand, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal etc. 

In addition to this, India's metro networks are also constantly undergoing a rapid technological evolution. One of the key advancements taking the spotlight is Communication Based Train Control (CBTC), which facilitates continuous communication between trains and the central control system. Furthermore, the integration of Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems, incorporating features like Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO), is playing a significant role in minimizing human errors and optimizing train schedules.

These technological advancements not only showcase India's commitment to modernizing its metro infrastructure but also set a benchmark for the future of public transportation in the country.

Recently launched in Kolkata, the underwater metro for the East-West corridor stands as a remarkable engineering achievement, showcasing India's leadership in technological and innovative infrastructure development. Indian metro rail systems showcase sustainable urban transportation globally.

India's metro network thus is on the brink of an exhilarating era. As technology progresses, it is safe to anticipate further breakthroughs that will elevate the metro experience, ensuring enhanced safety, convenience, and eco-friendliness for commuters. Metro rail is a popular mode of transportation in cities despite its costlier to travel in the metro since it offers several benefits:

• Metro rails are a reliable and convenient mode of transportation;
• Metro rails are eco-friendly run on electricity and are pollution-free;
• Metro rails are a better option than buses in heavy traffic, especially for long commutes;
• Traveling in the metro is time-bound as it doesn't have issues like traffic;
• Metro rails are clean as compared to other means of transportation;
• Metro frequency is very high and travellers don't have to wait for long;
• The accident rate in the metro is far less than other means of transport, so, it's safe as compared to other means of transport;
• Metro rails can carry a large number of passengers simultaneously, making them an effective solution for densely populated urban areas;
• Metro systems can provide access to areas that may be underserved by other forms of public transport, improving mobility for residents;
• Metro systems can stimulate local economies by improving access to jobs, education, services and health services;
• Metro rails often run on fixed schedules and are less affected by weather conditions and traffic disruptions compared to bus services and other mode of transport;
• The metro rails contribute to reducing road traffic, travel time, vehicle operating costs, accidents, and better driving conditions and road safety;
• Comfortable access to markets, shopping areas, employment, educational and health services, and also points of tourist attraction spots in the cities;
• All metro stations are designed to enable travel for pregnant and elderly women, aged, children and people with disability;
• Provision of a separate queue for women to buy tickets for travel in the metro;
• Separate seating for women and senior citizens and also for the physically disabled;
• Priority seating for pregnant and elderly women will be provided in the coaches;
• Emergency intercom and video surveillance shall be part of the metro operating system at stations, platforms and in train coaches;
• Separate toilets for men and women at stations and other facilities; and
• Zero tolerance for drunkards, troublemakers and reel makers for creating a nuisance in the metro.

Concluding Remarks

Overall, metro rails are an important part of modern transportation systems and offer several advantages over other modes of transportation. Also, metro rails contribute significantly towards sustainable development in terms of efficient, reliable, safe, and environmental friendliness, stimulating economic growth, improving social equity, and making cities more livable. All these advantages as indicated above make metro rail is popular choice for urban transportation solutions and due to all these factors metro rail is very popular although it's costlier to travel in the metro.

This article is authored by Dr. Mohammad Isa Ansari, PhD, IE-2 Chief Safeguard Officer/Chief SIA Specialist. Views are personal.