India's metro rail network has become the backbone of urban transport. According to MoHUA, the operational metro network exceeded 950 km across 20 cities as of January 2026, making it the third-largest in the world. Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru lead the expansion. The government has approved metro systems in 26 cities with a planned network of over 1,700 km.
Table of Contents
Delhi Metro
India's largest metro: 391 km, 12 lines, 286 stations. Daily ridership: 55 lakh. Serves Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad. Phase 4 (65 km) underway. Fare: ₹10-60.
Mumbai Metro
Operates Line 1 (VAG, 11.4 km), Line 3 (Aqua, phased), Lines 2A and 7 (Dahisar-Andheri). Combined daily ridership: 12 lakh. Line 3 key 2026 development: Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ sections opening.
Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro)
Purple and Green lines: 69 km, 65 stations. Purple: Whitefield to Challaghatta. Green: Silk Institute to Kempegowda. Phase 2 (58 km) progressing. Yellow Line (19 km) expected 2026. Daily ridership: 5 lakh.
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Network | Lines | Stations | Ridership | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi NCR | 391 km | 12 | 286 | 55 lakh | ₹10-60 |
| Mumbai | 87 km | 5 | 64 | 12 lakh | ₹10-60 |
| Bengaluru | 69 km | 2 | 65 | 5 lakh | ₹10-60 |
| Chennai | 54 km | 2 | 41 | 2 lakh | ₹10-50 |
| Hyderabad | 69 km | 3 | 64 | 4 lakh | ₹10-60 |
| Kolkata | 38 km | 2 | 31 | 3 lakh | ₹5-25 |
New Metro Lines Opening in 2026
| City | Line | Length | Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Phase 4 Corridor 1 | 22 km | Mid 2026 |
| Mumbai | Line 3 (Aqua) | 33.5 km | 2026 phased |
| Bengaluru | Yellow Line | 19 km | Late 2026 |
| Pune | Line 3 (Hinjewadi) | 23 km | 2026 |
Conclusion
India's metro revolution has transformed urban mobility. With Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru leading and tier-2 cities joining, the network will exceed 1,700 km by completion. See also our Namo Bharat RRTS guide.
You May Also Like: Metro & Urban Transit, Namo Bharat RRTS, and Indian Railways 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian city has the largest metro network?
Delhi at 391 km, 12 lines, 286 stations.
How much does a metro ride cost in India?
₹5-60 depending on city and distance. Smart cards offer 10% discount.
Is Mumbai Metro Line 3 fully operational?
Opening in phases. Full 33.5 km expected by end of 2026.
What is the daily ridership of Indian metros?
Delhi: 55 lakh. National total: 80+ lakh per day.
Are there women's coaches in Indian metros?
Yes, all systems reserve the first coach for women.
Which new metro lines are opening in 2026?
Delhi Phase 4, Mumbai Line 3, Bengaluru Yellow Line, Pune Line 3.