India is poised to become home to the second-largest metro network in the world, according to Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal. In an official statement released, the minister highlighted that 997 km of metro rail lines are currently under construction across the country. Speaking to members of the consultative committee of Parliament attached to the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Wednesday, Lal emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening urban transport infrastructure nationwide. Urban mobility is crucial in addressing the challenges of a growing urban population, he said. With 993 km of metro rail already operational in 23 cities and an additional 997 km under construction in 28 cities, India is well on track to having the second-largest metro network globally, he further said.