Metro Rail On The Fast Track

India’s aging transport systems are getting a revamp with technologies supporting the rise, fast implementation, and success of metro rail projects.

 

- Mitalee Kurdekar

If one chronicles the journey of metro rail projects in India, it surely would make for an interesting read. For starters, it is difficult to believe that while the idea for a modern metro rail system was initially discussed more than 60 years ago, the country had to wait for the next two decades for the Kolkata (then Calcutta) Metro project to be conceived. In 1971, a master plan was prepared and the first stretch of 3.4kms was completed in 1984. Gradually, other stretches were completed. But that is all in the past now.

Since then, the country’s metro landscape is fast developing. In fact, the real impetus to the Indian metro rail story was provided by the resounding success of the Delhi Metro. To construct a metro rail system in a congested metropolis like Delhi, thereby connecting remote regions of the city, was a herculean task in itself. However, the enormous benefits enjoyed by the population that the system serves is testimony to the impact that a modern mass rapid transportation system has on urban development objectives such as creating world class infrastructure, supporting industrialisation in far-flung areas and generating employment, while reducing undue loads on core, urban areas. Therefore, it was no surprise then that many other cities and towns of India expressed interest to follow suit and have efficient metro rail systems of their own.

As a result, close to 425kms of metro rail network is currently operational in 10 Indian cities, with the number expected to cross 600kms soon. Also, the past three years have seen the allocated amount for metro rail projects in the Union Budget at Rs 15,327 crore in FY17, Rs 18,000 crore in FY 18, and Rs 15,000 crore in FY 19.