India’s Metro Rail Network crosses 1,080 km as Southern States drive expansion

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): India’s metro rail network continues its rapid expansion, with over 1,083 km of metro and RRTS corridors now operational across 25 cities, reflecting the country’s accelerating push toward sustainable urban mobility. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) reaffirmed that metro rail projects remain a cornerstone of India’s long-term transport planning, even as approvals follow a rigorous and capital-intensive evaluation process.

In a statement, MoHUA noted that metro projects are governed by the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, under which proposals undergo extensive appraisal. “Approval depends on feasibility, ridership potential, and availability of financial resources. Therefore, no fixed timelines can be prescribed for sanctioning metro projects,” the ministry said.

Southern India emerges as a major growth hub

Southern states are playing a significant role in the next phase of metro expansion. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on December 11, stated that:

• 251.36 km of new metro lines are currently under construction across southern India

• 247.68 km of metro network is already operational in the region

• Karnataka: 121.16 km

• Tamil Nadu: 119 km

• Kerala: 11.2 km

Karnataka leads the southern region in new metro construction, driven largely by the ongoing expansion of Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 and Phase-2A/2B corridors.

Operational metro networks: Karnataka leads

In terms of metro rail lines already in service, Karnataka again tops the list among southern states:

• Karnataka: 96.1 km

• Telangana: 69 km

• Tamil Nadu: 54.10 km

• Kerala: 28.48 km

The figures highlight the steady maturation of metro systems in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi, which together form the backbone of urban rail transit in southern India.

Capital-intensive projects, long-term benefits

MoHUA reiterated that metro rail projects involve high capital costs, complex land acquisition, and multi-agency coordination, making phased approvals unavoidable. However, the ministry underlined that metros remain critical for reducing congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable urban growth.

Commenting on the expanding metro footprint, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said: “Crossing 1,080 km of operational metro and RRTS corridors reflects India’s strong commitment to sustainable urban transport. Southern states, particularly Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, are setting benchmarks in metro execution. While approvals require rigorous financial and technical scrutiny, the long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits of metro systems far outweigh the initial capital investment.”

With more than 250 km under active construction in southern India alone, and several proposals at various stages of appraisal nationwide, India’s metro rail network is poised for continued expansion. As cities grow and mobility demands rise, metro rail systems are expected to remain central to India’s urban transport strategy in the coming decades.