India’s metro network is closing in on the US — and the gap is shrinking fast

Network Race

India’s metro network has reached 1,170 km across 26 cities, narrowing the gap with the US to just 216 km. The country could overtake the US within two years, potentially becoming the world’s second-largest metro network after China.

Indore Leap

Indore’s metro expansion has dramatically changed the scale of its operations. The commercial corridor is expanding from just 6 km to 17 km, with the extended route covering 16 stations and linking important residential and commercial parts of the city.

China Gap

The global metro race has one enormous leader. China currently has around 8,000 km of metro lines, far ahead of both India and the US. But India’s rapid expansion means the country is now closing in on the US at a pace that could reshape the rankings.

Fifteen Minutes

For Indore commuters, the upgrade is about more than a new route. Trains on the extended corridor will run every 15 minutes, with more than 80 trips planned each day, while services will 

Ujjain Link

The Indore expansion could be just the beginning for Madhya Pradesh’s metro ambitions. The service is expected to eventually extend towards Ujjain and nearby areas, while the wider region is also getting a major ₹18,500-crore railway connectivity project.