Metro rail: network grows to 1,095 km across 26 cities
What happened
- India’s metro network grew from 248 km in 2014 to 1,095 km by 2025, and from 5 cities to 26 [PIB].
- The annual metro budget rose from ₹5,798 crore (2013-14) to ₹29,550 crore (2025-26) [PIB].
Background
- The Metro Rail Policy 2017 requires PPP exploration and value capture financing.
Why it matters
- Mass transit cuts congestion and urban emissions.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-03-15): india's metro network grew from 248 km in 2014 to 1,095 km by 2025, and from 5 cities to 26.
- Mass transit cuts congestion and urban emissions.
Quotable data pointThe annual metro budget rose from ₹5,798 crore (2013-14) to ₹29,550 crore (2025-26).
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Metro rail, 15 Mar 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: Metro statistics. · Mains: Urban transport.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Metro network 2025
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Cities with metro 2025
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Metro budget 2025-26
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerUrbanisation in India: Census Definitions, Trends, Causes, Problems, 74th Amendment, Urban Missions and Way Forward (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerInfrastructure in India: Importance, Financing, PPP Models, National Infrastructure Pipeline and PM Gati Shakti (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Metro rail, 15 Mar 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending