India's Metro Network Expands to 1,200 km Under Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pune Metro Pink Line and launched Phase-II, citing a five-fold expansion of India's operational metro network from 248 km to 1,200 km over twelve years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched new metro corridors under Pune Metro Phase-II on November 3, 2026. He laid the foundation stone for four new corridors with a total investment of around ₹21,800 crore via video conferencing.
Pune Metro Phase-II comprises four corridors designed to cover residential, commercial and IT hubs. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also participated in the programme.
Metro Network Expansion
India's operational metro network has increased significantly over the past decade. Prime Minister Modi stated the network expanded from 248 km in 2014 to 1,200 km over the subsequent twelve years. Services now operate in 26 cities, compared to just five in 2014.
The network serves over one crore passengers daily. The Prime Minister claimed India now ranks among the world's top three metro networks.
Pune Metro Development
The Pune Metro project has been developed under a public-private partnership model. Modi inaugurated the 23-km Pune Metro Line 3, known as the Pink Line, on the same day. This line, built at a cost of over ₹8,300 crore, connects Maan to the District Court Metro station.
The newly inaugurated Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar corridor aims to improve access to a major IT hub. It strengthens links between Pune's older and newer areas and will integrate with the city's existing Metro network. The Pink Line will be operated by women and use 30% solar power for its electricity needs.
The four corridors for Phase-II are detailed below:
| Corridor | Route | Length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2A | Vanaz to Chandani Chowk | 12.75 km |
| Line 2B | Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi | Part of 12.75 km total |
| Line 4 | Kharadi to Khadakwasla | 25.52 km |
| Line 4A | Nal Stop to Manik Baug | 6.12 km |
Phase II will be developed at an estimated cost of around ₹13,500 crore. The eastern extension from Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi is intended to improve connectivity to developing residential, commercial and IT hubs in Kharadi and Wagholi.
Economic Benefits
The expansion of the metro network is expected to contribute to economic growth and benefit the poor and middle class. Modi emphasized that metro networks save commuting time, improve convenience, and boost productivity.
He linked this infrastructure growth to broader economic gains, citing a World Bank report that stated 50 crore Indians had moved out of extreme poverty over the past 10-12 years. A growing economy and expanding budget enable greater public investment, he said.
In Maharashtra, the metro network grew from around 11 km in 2014 to nearly 200 km. Over 680 km of lines are now under construction in the state, involving investment exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore.
To mobilise wider investment, the Centre approved an Urban Challenge Fund in February 2026 with ₹1 lakh crore in Central assistance. Modi urged local bodies and private sector partners to participate. The improved metro connectivity is expected to accelerate Pune's development and make daily life easier for its citizens.
