India’s metro systems are undergoing a transformative shift, rapidly embracing advanced technologies and automation to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability. With significant developments across rolling stock, signalling, fare systems, operations, sustainability and multimodal integration, metros in cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai are setting new benchmarks for modern urban mobility.
Advancing automation in rolling stock
India’s metro networks are increasingly adopting higher grades of automation (GoA), notably GoA-3 and GoA-4. GoA-3 refers to automated driving with an onboard attendant available for emergencies, while GoA-4 denotes fully unattended train operations. This progression is facilitated by the integration of internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and safety.
A significant milestone was achieved in August 2025 when Delhi Metro achieved full GoA-4 operations on its Magenta Line, making it India’s first corridor to operate entirely driverless. The Pink Line is set to follow suit, pushing Delhi Metro closer to becoming one of the world’s largest driverless metro networks, with 97 km of fully automated corridors. Furthermore, Phase IV of the Delhi Metro expansion will feature driverless train operations across three priority corridors, cementing the city’s leadership in automated transit.
Chennai Metro is also embracing driverless technology. In June 2025, Alstom secured a contract to supply 96 additional driverless metro cars for Chennai Metro Phase II, part of a larger order of 108 cars. These trains come equipped with multiple operation and evacuation features, underscoring India’s commitment to safer, smarter transit systems.
In Bengaluru, the Yellow Line is set to operate India’s first Made in India GoA-4 driverless trains. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, these trains are designed with a high degree of indigenisation. They can accommodate up to 975 passengers, feature regenerative braking systems and are expected to begin service by December 2025. As part of Bengaluru Metros’ Phase II, a total of 216 such coaches are planned.
Meanwhile, Alstom India’s Movia metro trains began revenue service for Indore Metro in June 2025. These trains are energy-efficient and equipped with regenerative braking, smart lighting, train control and management system (TCMS) with automatic track inspection, and smart CCTV systems capable of object detection. Similarly, in May 2025, Alstom’s fully India-made train sets for Kanpur Metro’s Corridor 1 extension commenced operations. These trains feature Flexx bogies and Mitrac propulsion systems, enhancing operational efficiency and ride comfort.
Embracing intelligent S&T systems
Advanced signalling and telecommunication (S&T) systems are essential for safe and efficient metro operations. These technologies regulate train spacing, speed and routing, while improving overall reliability and passenger experience.
In October 2025, Advanced Communications & Electronics Systems India and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited announced the deployment of 4G and 5G in-building solutions across Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line 3. This 33.5 km underground corridor will now benefit from seamless high speed mobile coverage, significantly improving commuter connectivity. Kolkata Metro also upgraded its communication infrastructure by commissioning a terrestrial trunked radio system across four metro lines – Blue, Yellow, Purple and Orange – in August 2025. Provided by Motorola Solutions, the system includes fixed, vehicle-mounted and handheld units that ensure reliable communication across tunnels, viaducts and surface tracks, thus enhancing emergency response and operational safety.
In July 2025, Siemens Limited secured two contracts worth Rs 7.7 billion for Nagpur Metro Phase II. These contracts cover the design, supply, installation and commissioning of communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling and telecom systems. The project also involves upgrading existing Phase I infrastructure to support high frequency, driverless operations. In a similar move, Alstom introduced its latest generation CBTC system for Indore Metro in June 2025. This advanced system supports safer operations with higher throughput and reduced headway, aligning with global standards in automated metro operations.
Towards seamless fare and ticketing
India’s metro systems are swiftly transitioning to smart fare collection mechanisms that enhance user convenience and support multimodal integration. Key developments include QR code-based ticketing, open-loop automatic fare collection (AFC) systems and national common mobility card (NCMC) compatibility.
In September 2025, the OneTicket mobile application was launched across several Mumbai Metro lines, following a pilot on Metro 3 in June. Developed by SequelString AI Private Limited and supported by Mumbai Metro One, the application enables commuters to book a single QR code-based ticket valid across different operators. The app integrates with the open network for digital commerce, creating a unified platform for fare collection and reducing transaction friction. To further improve digital infrastructure, Aurionpro Solutions Limited was awarded a Rs 2.5 billion contract by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority in August 2025 to implement an AFC system for Metro Lines 4 and 4A. The project includes central clearing house software and comprehensive ticketing and payment hardware, enabling smart and interoperable fare systems.
Nagpur Metro is also upgrading its fare collection systems. In July 2025, Maharashtra Metro (MahaMetro) announced a transition from its closed-loop Maha cards to an open-loop AFC system worth Rs 1.5 billion. The system will support QR code-based ticketing and NCMC-enabled RuPay cards, allowing commuters to use a single card across multiple cities and transport networks. Importantly, existing AFC gates from Phase I will be retained, requiring only a software update to accommodate the new features.
Operations, maintenance and safety
Metro operators across India are leveraging AI, data analytics and IoT for predictive maintenance and enhanced safety. In October 2025, MahaMetro signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub to improve cybersecurity for Nagpur and Pune operations. The initiative focuses on protecting critical systems such as S&T, fare collection and train control.
In February 2025, MahaMetro also announced the use of AI and IoT for predictive maintenance in Nagpur Metro. Real-time sensor data monitoring vibration, overhead equipment and track switches will be analysed using ML and visualisation tools. This enables the early detection of equipment degradation and proactive interventions, ensuring safer operations. Delhi Metro is similarly embracing AI for predictive and condition-based maintenance, using real-time data from sensors, vibration monitors and thermal imaging since February 2025. These tools help maintain rolling stock, tracks, overhead equipment and signalling systems. AI will also play a key role in Phase IV for crowd management and operational optimisation.
Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also announced plans to use AI-powered cameras on the Yellow Line for automated inspections of tracks and third rails. Anomalies will be flagged and relayed in real time to the operations control centre via TCMS, enhancing operational reliability. Further, in May 2025, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance was introduced at six Bengaluru Metro stations to strengthen passenger safety and security.
Marching ahead: Sustainability and green mobility goals for the future
Metro systems are prioritising sustainability through solar energy adoption, regenerative braking, energy-efficient lighting and green-certified infrastructure. As of February 2025, Nagpur Metro sources 20 per cent of its power from solar energy and plans to increase this to 50 per cent. Its solar capacity is expanding from 4.5 MW to 10 MW, potentially saving Rs 4.5 million monthly. Through the renewable energy service company model, MahaMetro procures solar power at Rs 3.40 per unit, significantly cheaper than Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s Rs 9.70 per unit.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is also making significant strides towards full energy neutrality by 2030. In January 2025, it started constructing a solar plant on 50 acres in Kasaragod, aiming for completion by December 2025. Currently, 55 per cent of KMRL’s energy needs are met by solar power, and plans are under way to acquire 90 more acres in Kuttanad for future expansion.
Delhi Metro is ramping up its use of renewables as well. In October 2025, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) invited bids for 500 million units of renewable energy (solar with battery storage) per year to push its green energy usage beyond 60 per cent. Currently, about 33 per cent of DMRC’s energy demand is met through renewables. Innovations such as vertical bifacial solar panels on the Okhla Vihar viaduct and a 1 MW rooftop plant at the Khyber Pass depot are examples of how the metro is integrating solar power without additional land use. Additionally, the Blue Line has also achieved carbon-neutral certification.
There has been a significant push to integrate metro systems with other modes of transport such as buses, suburban trains and non-motorised transport, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting sustainable urban mobility. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, 10,000 electric buses are targeted for deployment through the public-private partnership model. As of August 2025, approximately 7,300 buses have been sanctioned, with 6,518 already tendered.
States are also independently scaling up e-bus adoption to support cleaner, more efficient transport systems. In January 2025, KMRL launched the Metro Connect e-bus feeder service with 15 fully air-conditioned (AC) electric buses deployed across five routes. With an investment exceeding Rs 150 million, KMRL aims to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity. This service was expanded in March and September 2025 to new routes. Further, in May 2025, National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited and the Delhi Transport Corporation introduced AC electric buses connecting to Namo Bharat stations at New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar. The move also highlights how feeder systems can be a vital link in modern transport ecosystems. Transport planners highlight that e-feeder services not only make metro travel more viable but also accelerate the shift towards clean energy by replacing fossil fuel-powered modes of last-mile connectivity.
