With the massive population influx in the urban cities of India, commuting often becomes a point of worry. However, in the year that’s about to wrap, metro networks have achieved remarkable milestones and have in more than one way transformed urban commute. From Bengaluru to Kolkata, Mumbai to Pune and Nagpur, cities across the country have witnessed exciting developments — new metro lines, extensions, long-awaited station openings and even an underwater stretch! These milestones are more than just engineering feats; they’re transforming the way people travel. Faster commutes, less traffic chaos, and a better quality of life — these metro expansions are paving the way for a more connected future.
Let’s take a look at some of these metro expanisions and inauguration that are easing the way for commuters:
Bengaluru’s Green Line Extension
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Green Line extension from Nagasandra to Madavara, which opened on November 7, has already started to ease traffic congestion along Tumkur Road. The 3.14-kilometre stretch, connecting the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), has made commuting faster and more convenient for thousands of passengers. The extension, part of Phase-2 of the Metro project, features three new stations—Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara (BIEC). In just over a month, the line is already serving around 44,000 passengers daily, providing a welcome relief for those who rely on this busy route.
Nagpur’s Indora Square station
After a long wait, Nagpur’s Indora Square Metro Station, part of the Orange Line, finally opened its doors to the public at 6 PM last Friday. This exciting milestone marks the completion of the entire Phase-1 of the Nagpur Metro, making all 38 stations now available for riders. Getting the Indora Square station built was quite a journey! Land acquisition issues caused major delays, pushing back the start of construction to November 2022. This was a big setback compared to the other stations in Phase-1, where land was secured much earlier, by 2016.
The station’s opening was initially slated for April 2024, but subsequent delays pushed the timeline to June, then August, and ultimately to November. Despite assurances of readiness, the final delay stemmed from the pending inspections and approval mandates of the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
Kokata’s underwater metro service
Kolkata Metro took a historic leap in March 2024 with the launch of its first underwater service, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6, 2024. This 16.6-kilometer stretch is not only an engineering marvel but also a vital addition to the city’s transportation network.
The standout feature? A 520-meter underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. Trains zip through it in just 45 seconds, making the commute between Howrah and Kolkata faster and more convenient than ever before. Of course, getting here wasn’t easy. The project faced a series of setbacks, including a major aquifer burst at Bowbazar in 2019, which caused ground subsidence and building collapses. Further delays followed, with water leaks during tunneling in 2022, adding to the challenges.
But now, with the service up and running, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief. Initially available Monday through Saturday, the Metro service has now been extended to Sundays, starting August 2024, making it even more accessible and hassle-free.
Also Read:Kolkata Metro Update: More trains to ease commuters rush on Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch
Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line
The Kavi Subhash (New Garia) to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing) section of Kolkata’s Orange Line officially began commercial operations on March 15, 2024, marking a significant development in the city’s Metro network. This approximately five-kilometer stretch, part of Line 6, connects seamlessly with the North-South Blue Line at Kavi Subhash, enabling smooth transfers between the two lines.
The Orange Line is designed to link New Garia with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, passing through Salt Lake and New Town, providing enhanced connectivity across South Kolkata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch on March 7, 2024, after overcoming various challenges during the development. Along with this, sections of Line 2 (Esplanade-Howrah Maidan) and Line 3 (Taratala-Majerhat) were also inaugurated, contributing to the city’s growing Metro infrastructure. The entire Orange Line is expected to be fully operational by 2026.
Mumbai Metro Line 3 extension
In October 2024, the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, was officially opened for public use. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of this crucial metro line, taking a ride from BKC to Santacruz station and back. The 12.69-kilometer stretch between Aarey Colony and BKC is part of the larger 33.5-kilometer Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey Metro Line 3. The stretch, which recently received final approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), connects directly to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It also links with the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.
Pune Metro Phase I
Pune’s Kasba Peth metro station, the southern terminal on the Purple Line’s north-south corridor, opened on September 29, 2024, marking the completion of the final extension of Pune Metro Phase I. Originally planned as Budhwar Peth station, it was renamed due to its location in Kasba Peth. The station’s construction faced significant opposition from local residents, who were concerned about the impact on their homes and the area’s historic structures. They argued that, with nearby stations like Civil Court and Mandai, there was little need for one in Kasba Peth. In response to months of protests, MahaMetro agreed to relocate the station to land originally designated for the Dadoji Konddev Primary School.
Tunneling work for the station began from Civil Court and Swargate. Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) started from Civil Court, reaching Kasba Peth in July 2021 after tunneling beneath the Mutha River. A third TBM from Swargate completed its breakthrough in June 2022. A pedestrian subway was also constructed, connecting Sattoti Chowk to the station. With the station now operational, Kasba Peth has enhanced connectivity for local residents while preserving the area’s historic charm.
Pune metro’s elevated eastern terminal
Kalyani Nagar metro station, the elevated eastern terminal of the East-West corridor on the Aqua Line of Pune Metro, opened on March 6, 2024, as part of the Phase I extension. This station is seamlessly connected to the Rainbow Bus Rapid Transit System, offering greater convenience for commuters. The Aqua Line, which operates between Vanaz and Ramwadi stations, allows for easy transfers to the Purple Line (North-South corridor) at Civil Court station, connecting passengers to key locations across Pune. In June 2024, the station further improved accessibility with the opening of Entry/Exit Gate no. 3, providing commuters with a footbridge to cross the busy road without any hassle.