India on Track to Surpass US in Metro Network Length

Union Minister Manohar Lal announced that India is expected to overtake the US in metro network length within two to three years. Currently operational in 24 cities, the network's rapid expansion reflects India's urban growth. The Centre supports ongoing urban projects in Telangana, including metro rail and river redevelopment.

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, stated on Tuesday that India is poised to surpass the United States in terms of metro network length within the next two to three years.

During the Regional Meeting of Urban Development Ministers of South-West states, the Minister highlighted India's rapid pace of metro network expansion. From just five cities in 2004-05, the network now spans 24 cities.

Despite the US and China's earlier initiatives, India is nearing their lengths, with plans to exceed the US's 1,400 km network. Lal noted urbanization's swift progress, predicting that urban areas will account for 80% of national GDP by 2050. He assured continued support for urban development in Telangana, as the state seeks central assistance for projects like metro rail phase two and river redevelopment efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)