In a momentous event for India’s urban landscape, the Prime Minister today inaugurated a series of new metro and regional rapid transit (RRTS) sections across various cities, signifying a major push towards enhanced connectivity and accessibility for citizens. These projects, spread across diverse regions, represent the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing and expanding urban infrastructure.
The bustling city of Kolkata witnessed the opening of three new metro sections: Howrah Maidan-Esplanade, Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, and Taratala-Majerhat (part of the Joka-Esplanade line), significantly bolstering its public transportation network. Pune, a rapidly growing metropolis, saw the extension of its metro network with the inauguration of the Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi stretch. Similarly, the coastal city of Kochi celebrated the completion of the Phase IB extension of its metro, connecting SN Junction and Tripunithura stations. Tourists and residents of Agra can now enjoy a more convenient commute with the opening of the Taj East Gate to the Mankameshwar metro section. Additionally, the National Capital Region witnessed the launch of the much-anticipated Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister’s commitment extended beyond the ceremonial inaugurations. He flagged off train services on the newly opened sections, allowing commuters to experience the improved infrastructure firsthand. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the extension of Pune Metro’s Phase 1 between Pimpri Chinchwad and Nigdi, underlining the government’s continuous efforts to expand and develop urban transport networks.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, highlighted the government’s dedication to infrastructure development, particularly in the crucial sector of urban transport. He emphasized the remarkable progress achieved in recent years, with India’s operational metro network witnessing phenomenal growth, expanding from a mere 248 km in 2014 to surpassing an impressive 939 km today. This significant expansion stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing and expanding urban transport infrastructure.
Minister Puri also underscored the ongoing efforts to integrate RRTS with existing public transportation systems, aligning seamlessly with the government’s visionary “Gati Shakti” program. This ambitious initiative aims to create a holistic and integrated national infrastructure master plan, ensuring seamless connectivity across various modes of transportation, thereby fostering greater efficiency and economic potential.
