Bhopal, Dec 20 (NationPress) Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Saturday that India is set to surpass the United States to secure the position of the world’s second-largest metro rail network within the next two years, following only China.

During the inauguration of the priority corridor of the Bhopal Metro's Orange Line, he emphasized the swift growth of India's urban rail infrastructure. Khattar pointed out that the country's operational metro network has now surpassed 1,000 km across 23 cities, accommodating over 1.20 crore (more than 10 million) daily passengers.

With approximately 900 km of lines planned and under construction, he expressed optimism that by completing a substantial portion of just 300 km within two years, India would outpace the US metro network. Currently, China leads globally with over 10,000 km of urban rail transit.

Highlighting efforts to reduce pollution, the Minister stated that the government is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Initiatives include enhancing last-mile connectivity to reduce the reliance on private vehicles for reaching metro stations, converting crop stubble (parali) into fuel pellets as alternative fuels to mitigate stubble burning, introducing electric buses, and promoting prefabricated construction.

“We are planning seamless last-mile options in metro cities so commuters avoid bringing out personal vehicles,” he noted.

Khattar also discussed resolving conflicts between the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government regarding a suspended 7-km underground segment of the Indore Metro, enabling its resumption.

A pre-recorded message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shared, commending the rapid advancement of infrastructure projects that prominently feature Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the day as significant, noting that Madhya Pradesh now boasts two operational metro systems within a year, following the earlier inauguration of Indore in 2025. Public commercial operations commence on December 21, making Bhopal the state's second metro city.

The inaugurated priority corridor on the Orange Line stretches approximately 6-7 km (elevated), featuring eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Chauraha (MP Nagar area), MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati Station, DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. It connects vital commercial, railway, and healthcare hubs to alleviate congestion.

The complete Phase 1 encompasses two corridors totaling 28-31 km, costing over Rs 10,000 crore, with the priority section amounting to Rs 2,225 crore.

Focusing on convenience, safety, and eco-friendliness, the metro features high-speed lifts/escalators, wheelchair access, Braille signage, AI-based CCTV, platform screen doors, advanced signaling, regenerative braking, solar power, air-conditioned coaches, mobile charging, and modern information systems.

Initially, trains will operate from 9 AM to 7 PM, with 17 trips daily. Fares will range from Rs 20 (1-2 stations) to Rs 40 (full corridor), without introductory discounts.