By Hari Somalraju, Chief Executive Officer, SYSTRA India
India’s urban landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the need to expand and modernise infrastructure to accommodate a rapidly growing population. Developing efficient urban infrastructure – particularly mass transit systems (rail or road) – is crucial. These advancements not only revolutionise urban mobility but also tackle critical issues such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
At present, India’s economy is valued at $3 trillion and is expected to increase to $5 trillion by 2027. Further, Vision 2047 sets ambitious goals for the country to become a $30 trillion economy. The infrastructure sector’s contribution to gross domestic product is projected to increase from 3.3 per cent to 7 per cent between 2024 and 2030, and is anticipated to grow by 8-8.5 per cent per year.
To this end, the government’s focus on expanding metro and other mass transit networks underscores its commitment to building sustainable urban infrastructure. This expansion addresses the mobility needs of an increasing urban population while supporting India’s broader environmental and economic goals. By integrating global sustainability benchmarks with the specific needs of Indian cities, metro systems play a pivotal role in driving urban growth and mitigating the environmental impacts of rapid urbanisation.
Role of MRTS and smart mobility in urban growth
With growing urbanisation, metro systems have emerged as the backbone of urban mobility, providing a sustainable alternative to road-based transport. As urban boundaries expand and cities grow in complexity, the need for reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions has become paramount. Metro systems offer higher passenger capacity, shorter travel times, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional transportation modes, presenting a transformative solution to these challenges.
The total investment in the mass rapid transit system (MRTS) sector in India between 2024 and 2028 is expected to reach Rs 30 trillion, while an additional Rs 39 trillion will be directed towards other transport and infrastructure sectors over the same period. Smart urban mobility is a transportation network that combines technology and urban mobility to make transportation more efficient, sustainable and convenient. These investments are crucial in realising smart urban mobility solutions, which aim to create a connected, technology-driven transportation network. By integrating various intra-city systems such as buses and metro networks with intercity and regional transport solutions such as semi-high-speed and high-speed rail systems, smart urban mobility will not only improve efficiency and convenience but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of India’s urban and regional transport ecosystems.
SYSTRA India, a global leader in engineering and project management for metro and rail systems, is at the forefront of this transformation. Our extensive involvement in major metro projects across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Nagpur, Pune, etc.) demonstrates our commitment to creating a future where urban transportation is not only more efficient but also sustainable and accessible to all.
Digital transformation
Digital transformation is reshaping the way infrastructure projects are designed, managed and delivered, and SYSTRA is at the forefront of this shift by harnessing advanced technologies and digital construction techniques such as building information modelling, digital twins and generative artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies enable more efficient metro system design and delivery, streamlining project timelines and improving performance. By simulating project stages, anticipating risks and optimising resource allocation, we ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
Generative design is transforming how we approach complex engineering challenges. This AI-powered tool generates multiple design solutions based on defined parameters, allowing us to select the most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable options. It also provides flexibility to adapt designs in real time as urban landscapes evolve.
By incorporating these techniques, SYSTRA continues to drive innovation while reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure for the future of urban mobility in India.
Sustainability and climate resilience in urban metro projects
Aligned with Vision 2047’s sustainability goals, we are committed to integrating green mobility solutions into metro projects. Our designs prioritise energy efficiency and climate resilience, ensuring metro rail systems maintain operational excellence despite environmental changes.
A key element in our sustainability strategy is SYSTRA’s innovative Carbon Tracker, a digital tool that monitors and manages carbon footprints throughout the life cycle of metro projects. By tracking carbon emissions in real time, we can make data-driven decisions to minimise environmental impacts. SYSTRA has used this tool to optimise designs, improving energy efficiency by reducing material consumption by 10 per cent and carbon emissions by 11 per cent.
Furthermore, the company is exploring ways to incorporate renewable energy sources into metro operations, including solar power and energy-efficient technologies, to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable urban transport network of tomorrow.
Integration with smart cities initiatives
India’s Smart Cities Mission aims to create transportation systems that enhance urban living – improving liveability, safety and accessibility – while fostering connectivity across all urban services.
For mass transit systems such as metro to truly thrive within this framework, they must be well connected with other urban infrastructure, including roads, bus systems and pedestrian pathways. SYSTRA emphasises multi modal integration in metro projects, ensuring metro stations serve as dynamic mobility hubs where passengers can transition effortlessly between various transport modes. This approach facilitates seamless interconnections, contributing to creating smart, resilient urban ecosystems and promoting sustainable mobility.
Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is the integration of various forms of transportation services into a single mobility service that is accessible on demand. For the user, MaaS can offer added value using a single application to provide access to mobility, with a single payment channel instead of multiple ticketing and payment transactions. For SYSTRA, MaaS is a mobility management tool to respond to the economic equation between supply and demand and to promote social and territorial cohesion.
Overcoming execution challenges
As India embarks on this ambitious urban transit expansion, one of the foremost challenges is executing large-scale infrastructure projects. It is important that standardisation of the civil component along with the systems component is done in sync to improve the quality and safety of the MRTS. To address this, SYSTRA employs advanced project management techniques. Our application of agile project management methodologies, combined with our proprietary e-PMC tool, ensures flexibility throughout the project life cycle, enabling us to respond quickly to changes and mitigate risks. Iterative planning and close collaboration with stakeholders help keep projects on track while continuously optimising efficiency and resource allocation.
Our global expertise in MRTS projects positions us to deliver projects that uphold international standards of quality and safety while ensuring timely delivery, within budget.
Capacity building and skill development
While technology is a driving force in the success of modern metro projects, human expertise remains essential. Bridging the skill gap in advanced digital construction technologies is crucial to equip the country’s workforce for contemporary infrastructure projects.
SYSTRA is committed to building local capacity by forging strategic partnerships with academic institutions like IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi. These collaborations allow us to develop training programmes that prepare future engineers and project managers with the skills to implement advanced construction techniques, in turn fostering innovation and growth in the sector.
Conclusion
As India progresses towards Vision 2047, urban mass transit, particularly metro systems, will be the cornerstone of sustainable urban development. SYSTRA India is poised to lead this transformation, delivering innovative and forward-looking solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of the country’s rapidly evolving cities.
Through our expertise in mass rapid transport systems design, digital construction, sustainability initiatives and project management, we are committed to shaping the future of urban transportation. By collaborating closely with government stakeholders, industry leaders and local communities, we are helping to create efficient, resilient and future-ready transit systems. Together, we are not just supporting India’s growth but also pioneering the blueprint for a smarter and greener urban future.