Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the expansion of India’s metro rail network from 248 km across five cities in 2014 to nearly 1,200 km across 26 cities. More than 10 mn commuters now use metro services across the country each day, according to the figures cited by him.

Modi said the faster development of metro infrastructure had improved urban connectivity and reduced the waiting period for cities seeking modern public transport. He identified Pune as an example of how expanded metro services could reduce travel time, support productivity and improve access to employment opportunities.

The remarks came two days after the Prime Minister inaugurated Pune Metro Line 3 and laid the foundation stone for the city’s Phase 2 projects through video conferencing. The combined value of the projects is approximately Rs. 21.8 bn. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the programme.

Pune Metro Line 3, known as the Pink Line, was inaugurated after being developed at a cost of more than Rs. 8.3 bn. The approximately 23-km corridor connects Maan with District Court Metro station, linking the Hinjewadi information technology hub with Shivajinagar and improving access to major employment centres.

The Phase 2 package, estimated at about Rs. 13.5 bn, includes Lines 2A, 2B, 4 and 4A. Lines 2A and 2B will cover a combined 12.75 km, connecting Vanaz with Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi with Vitthalwadi respectively. Line 4 will run 25.52 km between Kharadi and Khadakwasla, while the 6.12-km Line 4A will connect Nal Stop with Manjri Baug.

The projects are intended to strengthen Pune’s public transport system, improve links between residential areas, commercial districts and information technology hubs, and ease congestion across key parts of the city. The wider metro expansion is expected to support more efficient urban mobility and create additional opportunities for commuters.