India’s urban rail or metro rail network is witnessing widespread expansion, driven by urbanisation, rising demand for travel and the growing emphasis on sustainable modes of mobility. The current operational metro network spans well over 1,000 km across more than 20 cities in the country. Several metro corridors are under expansion and plans for new ones are under way. This continued network expansion has, in turn, notably increased rolling stock demands.
Over the years, various key trends have shaped the way these metro trains are envisioned, serving beyond their role as modes of commute for passengers. Increased focus is being placed on indigenisation, while enhanced safety, technology integration and passenger experience enhancement have become key components.
Moreover, the deployment of driverless trains is gaining traction, representing the next phase of metro operations.
Move towards driverless metro train operations
Metro systems across the country are increasingly moving towards higher levels of automation to enhance operation and improve safety. This trend is also largely seen in the rolling stock segment. Metro corridors are moving toward the deployment of trains that have grade of automation 4 (GoA 4), the highest level of automation or unattended train operations (UTO). These systems reduce the need for human intervention, facilitate more consistent frequencies and services, enhance reliability, and improve efficiency.
India’s first driverless metro service was launched in December 2020 for the Magenta Line of Delhi Metro. Following this, driverless operations were also launched on the Pink Line in 2021. As of March 2026, Delhi Metro operates a total of 80 driverless trains, with operations available on the 71.55 km Pink Line from Majlis Park to Maujpur-Babarpur, including Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar and 49.19 km on the Magenta Line from Krishna Park Extension to Botanical Garden and Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park.
Bengaluru Metro is also making headway in this segment. More recently, the first driverless six-car train for the upcoming Blue Line was delivered in June 2026 and will be deployed for passenger operations post testing and validation procedures. BEML Limited is also supplying six-car trains for operation on Phases II, IIA and IIB.
Moreover, Alstom will supply driverless cars for Phase II of the Chennai Metro project.
Focus on sustainability
Metro systems are increasingly focusing on integrating energy-efficient initiatives into their operations.
On these lines, regenerative braking is now being adopted across major metro rolling stock in India. The technology converts energy that is generated when brakes are applied into electricity, which is fed back into the system and used by trains. This is resulting in notable energy and cost savings across various metro systems where it has been deployed.
Agra Metro, for example, has deployed Sécheron’s Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) inverter for regenerative energy recovery, among the first in India. It has resulted in annual electricity cost savings of Rs 5 million, led to a reduction in the carbon footprint, and facilitated cost-efficient operations by converting braking energy into reusable power.
Further, the adoption of regenerative braking in Kolkata Metro has resulted in around 10.8 MUs of regenerated energy, a sizeable energy cost savings and a reduction in carbon emissions from its deployment in 37 trains during 2024-25.
Redefining passenger experience and safety
Modern metro rolling stock is placing greater emphasis on safety and passenger comfort, and features improved interiors and amenities. They are being designed to incorporate regional elements of the city, and are becoming more comfortable and appealing to travellers. They feature energy-efficient LED lighting, charging points, route maps, dynamic displays, and accessibility facilities for the elderly and disabled.
Rolling stock is also placing greater emphasis on safety and security. CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems and passenger information systems are being adopted to ensure passenger safety, in addition to other advanced initiatives. For instance, Chennai Metro flagged off the first train fitted with an anti-drag technology in May 2026. The feature acts as an added layer of safety for passengers, in addition to the obstacle detection system in place. It detects objects trapped between doors, or a pulling force such as loose garments, and train brakes are applied when such motions are detected. Works are underway to implement this safety feature across 51 remaining trains operating on Phase I of the Chennai Metro project.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Metro installed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based wayside wheel profile measurement system on Lines 2A and 7. Indigenously developed by IntelliRail, the technology offers continuous diagnostics to detect wear and damage on wheels, recommend replacement and improve overall safety.
In another example, Bengaluru Metro uses 3D laser cameras and machine vision cameras with AI algorithms on rolling stock to improve safety. Further, trains feature hot axle detection systems to monitor axle temperature. Trains also feature obstacle detection systems.
Expanding domestic capabilities
Metro systems are increasingly undertaking indigenous procurement of rolling stock and key components, in line with the Make in India initiative. It has been mandated that at least 75 per cent of the metro cars and 25 per cent of the key equipment be procured domestically. The move is aimed at boosting the local production and enhancing self-reliance.
Various companies are now manufacturing metro rolling stock domestically and have set up production facilities to meet the growing demand. Efforts for indigenisation are also seen for other key components including train control systems, signalling, telecommunications, braking systems, etc.
Ahmedabad metro rail received its first indigenously built metro train in December 2025, at the Titagarh Rail Systems plant in West Bengal. The train, indigenously manufactured by Titagarh Rail Systems, features advanced fire safety and other security installations. Importantly, these can operate as fully automated driverless trains with GoA 4.
Moreover, collaborations are also strengthening domestic capabilities. Texmaco Rail and Engineering Limited formed a joint venture with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities and export competitiveness, targeting to manufacture metro cars in addition to wagons, locomotives, railway coaches and trainsets.
Rolling stock modernisation and refurbishment
With various metro systems now being in operation for several years, there is a growing need to refurbish, modernise and upgrade the rolling stock. These are essential to improve operational performance and safety, enhance passenger experience and move in line with the current operational standards and levels of technology.
Updates range from replacing old components within the trains, installing new passenger information systems and amenities for an enhanced experience, improving safety systems and adopting new and advanced technologies for train control.
Delhi Metro, for example, is refurbishing 70 trains on the Red and Blue Lines. As part of the mid-life refurbishment, these trains, which have been in service for 19-24 years, are being upgraded with modern technologies and improved facilities. These trains will undergo interior upgrades, repainting, repairs to address wear and tear, and the installation of passenger announcement and information systems, route maps, charging points and surveillance systems. With a focus on passenger safety, coaches are being installed with a new fire detection system featuring smoke and heat detectors and old relays and miniature circuit breakers have been replaced.
Further, as of January 2026, Chennai Metro has completed the intermediate overhaul of 52 trains. It involved the inspection of all parts of the train including wheels and suspensions, carrying out maintenance and replacement where required, and servicing electrical equipment and air-conditioning units.
Outlook
Metro rolling stock has evolved from serving as a means of passenger commute to now integrating operational efficiency, safety and passenger experience.
It also functions as a key source of non-fare revenue by creating advertising opportunities across train exteriors through train wraps as well as through displays on information screens within cars. These enable metro operators to diversify revenue streams beyond passenger tickets.
While challenges such as fleet optimisation and variations between projected and actual passenger footfall exist, improved planning, forecasting and alternative measures are helping address these issues more effectively.
Looking ahead, with a sizeable pipeline of metro corridors under development and various new stretches planned, the demand for rolling stock is set to see a continued rise. The growth would be supported by the new fleet, the refurbishment and replacement of ageing trains and increased adoption of modern and technologically advanced solutions.
