India’s urban rail sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing need to enhance intra-city connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban mobility. Project implementation in urban transport has accelerated significantly, with over 980 km of metro rail and regional rapid transit system (RRTS) networks now operational across the country.
However, continual improvement of urban infrastructure remains a key priority for the government, with innovative transit solutions emerging over time. New modes, such as regional rapid transit systems (RRTS), Metrolite, MetroNeo, and the water metro, are set to transform the transit landscape, enhancing last-mile connectivity, reducing travel time, and creating a more efficient, citizen-focused transport system. These efforts also aim towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
RRTS
The RRTS is a strategic, transformative regional public transit initiative by the government for the National Capital Region (NCR). Designed as a high-speed system, with a speed of 180 km per hour and an operational speed of 160 km per hour, the RRTS offers a reliable, frequent, and safe commuting option connecting metropolitan areas, major cities, towns, and urban centres across the NCR. In addition to high-speed connectivity, the RRTS incorporates advanced technologies, including new command and control systems, enhancing the safety of the passengers. By bypassing road congestion, it also reduces travel costs and shortens travel time over the same distance. The NCR, a vital economic hub, stands to benefit from the RRTS through improved access to jobs and services, boosting economic productivity and supporting balanced regional development in
suburban areas.
Initially, eight corridors were identified following a study by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). Among these, three corridors were prioritised: Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut, Delhi–Sonipat–Panipat, and Delhi–Gurgaon–Rewari–Alwar. Currently, about 42 km section of the 82 km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is operational. The project entails an investment of over Rs 300 billion. Additionally, the Delhi–Meerut corridor is expected to enter Delhi by January 2025, and the entire corridor is expected to become fully operational by mid-2025.
Recently, in October 2024, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) signed an agreement with PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation of India Limited) for the procurement of low-cost power, including green energy, through power exchanges for the RRTS corridor. This will enable the NCRTC to meet part of its power requirement through power exchanges at its receiving substations located in Ghaziabad, Modipuram, Shatabdi Nagar and Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Sarai Kale Khan, in Delhi.
Furthermore, in November 2024, a new RRTS corridor has been announced; it will connect Rajiv Chowk, in Gurugram, with Surajpur, in Greater Noida. Estimated to cost Rs 150 billion, this corridor is expected to ease traffic congestion and lower pollution levels in the NCR.
Metrolite
Metrolite is a light rail transit (LRT) system designed to provide cost-effective urban transport in cities with lower ridership projections. It is most often used as a feeder service between the existing metro stations. The system uses automatic train protection (ATP) signalling for enhanced safety and would consist of smaller stations, contributing to significant cost reduction. Additionally, Metrolite does not require advanced fare collection (AFC) systems or platform screen doors (PSD) which leads to lesser implementation expenses. The trains have a minimum length of 33 metres and are capable of being scaled up to accommodate a passenger handling capacity of 15,000 peak hour peak direction traffic (PHPDT) by adding more coaches. Metrolite projects are likely to facilitate smoother passenger movement and enhance last-mile connectivity.
Key upcoming Metrolite projects are the Rs 46.72 billion Gorakhpur Metrolite project, spanning 27.41 km, and Kozhikode Metrolite in Kerala, covering a length of 13.13 km, to be implemented. Other proposed projects include Metrolite systems in Jammu, Srinagar, Guwahati, Chennai and Varanasi. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the detailed project report (DPR) of the Visakhapatnam Metrolite project, spanning 76.9 km. It is expected to cost about Rs 143.09 billion. Earlier, in 2024, the Prayagraj Development Authority received a DPR for a Metrolite system, which includes two routes covering 39 stations.
MetroNeo
MetroNeo has been developed as an innovative transit solution, designed specifically to address the requirements of Tier II and Tier III cities. This system is well-suited for managing passenger loads of 8,000 PHPDT (extendable up to 10,000 PHPDT), offering a cost-efficient alternative to heavy metro systems and Metrolite projects which cater to higher ridership capacities. Featuring rubber-tyred electric coaches operating on overhead electrification (OHE) and concrete slabs, these MetroNeo projects bridge the gap between traditional metro systems and buses, making urban mobility accessible and affordable.
The system employs advanced features such as ATP signalling and anti-collision measures while reducing costs through smaller stations, and simpler fare collection systems. Most of these features are similar to the ones in Metrolite projects. However, MetroNeo is notably more economical, as per industry estimates, it will cost Rs 810 million per km for the elevated section as compared to Rs 1.37 billion per km for a Metrolite
elevated section.
MetroNeo will provide a viable solution to urban traffic congestion. Notably, MetroNeo projects have been proposed for cities of Warangal, Nashik, Rajkot and Pune. Another MetroNeo project linking Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is in the pipeline and IG Drone has recently secured a contract for survey works in the region. However, there has been no substantive progress on these projects. For instance, despite initial approvals from the central government, the Nashik MetroNeo project faced setbacks due to technical issues.
Water metro
A water metro is a ferry-based transportation system connecting islands and mainland areas via waterways. India’s first water metro, the Kochi Water Metro, was launched in December 2021 in Kerala. Once operational, it is expected to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 44,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. In March 2024, four new terminals were added in Kochi (Mulavukad North, South Chittoor, Eloor and Cheranellur), increasing the total to nine terminals and increasing the number of routes from three to five, benefiting around 100,000 passengers. The Rs 11.37 billion project involves the development of an integrated water transport system, covering 78 km on 15 routes in Kochi.
The Karnataka Maritime Board is also preparing a DPR for the Mangaluru Water Metro project, which will connect isolated areas via waterways along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers. The initial phase will cover 30 km with 17 stations, utilising the National Waterways.
Challenges
While these projects will significantly enhance urban infrastructure, they are currently faced with several challenges. For RRTS projects, land acquisition remains a major hurdle, particularly in densely populated areas such as Delhi and Meerut, often delaying timelines.
For Metrolite, the primary concern is the likely financial loss arising from lower ridership compared to the high implementation costs involved. These projects can also lead to the displacement of the local population to accommodate tracks and stations. Meanwhile, the slow implementation of MetroNeo projects as a result of lack of follow-ups is a key concern as it shows declining interest in the project.
In designing boats for the water metro, the key challenges faced are navigating low depths and narrow passages while safeguarding the shores. The boats must also achieve sufficient speed to compete with road transport. Moreover, maintenance in the backwaters presents difficulties.
In sum
The urban transit system is poised to evolve to meet future needs, offering greater benefits to passengers across the country. The growth will be inclusive, extending to Tier II and Tier III cities, not just limited to state capitals. While smaller projects (Metrolite, MetroNeo and water metro) will enhance connectivity for commuters in smaller cities, metro and RRTS will continue improving reliability and last-mile connectivity in major states. Going ahead, there should be a focus on addressing current challenges and finding solutions to overcome them to have in place a more efficient and sustainable transit system in the future.
