The article delves into India’s ambitious initiatives to modernize its metro infrastructure, emphasizing sustainability, speed, and technological innovation. It highlights the expansion of metro systems across various cities, the introduction of cost-effective transit solutions like Metrolite and MetroNeo, and the development of the Water Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). These projects aim to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and promote eco-friendly transportation, aligning with India’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the metro sector by 2030.
Monorail
Monorail is an urban transit system that is light in weight and capable of navigating sharp turns and twists in the city areas. It became operational in 2009 in Mumbai. The system has been instrumental in reducing congestion in the city and the length is 19.54 km in Phase 1.
It is stretched between the corridor Chembur–Wadala Depot–Jacob Circle. It was ranked as world’s second longest monorail in world.
Their complete product offerings for the Indian market:
| Features of Monorail System (Mumbai) | ||
| Configuration and Capacity | Coaches: 24 coaches | Passenger Capacity: 830 |
| Each coach weighs 15 tonnes | 20,000 commuters per hour per direction | |
| Speed and Composition | Design Speed: 80 kmph | |
| Total no. of train sets: 6 and consists of 4 cars per train set | Scheduled Speed: 31 kmph | |
| Length: 44.8 meters | Depot: Wadala | |
| Safety and Comfort | There are 2 CCTV cameras installed in each coach | All coaches are air-conditioned |
Monorails are elevated single-rail systems designed to alleviate urban congestion. In India, the Mumbai Monorail is a notable example, aiming to provide efficient transit in densely populated areas. However, challenges such as low ridership and operational issues have affected its success.
Presence in Indian Market
- India currently has only one monorail system- Mumbai Monorail Line 1 operational in India, consisting two phases.
- The monorail was manufactured by Scomi rail at the manufacturing plant in Malaysia. As of now Medha SMH Rail has been selected to manufacture 10 additional monorail trainsets.
- The Mumbai Monorail project, valued at ~₹3,000 crores (USD 361.45 million), connects Chembur and Jacob Circle. Future expansion plans include adding 10 trains to the initial 6, aiming for network extension and increased service frequency to enhance passenger commuting experience.
Metro
Metro projects in India have been designed to enhance mobility, decongest the traffic and promote connectivity. The country has witnessed rapid growth in metro infrastructure over the last decade. The Kolkata Metro is India’s oldest and Delhi Metro is a modern metro system which is now almost ~ 390 km.
Today’s metro systems are designed for high capacity, essential for larger cities with intense ridership and peak hour traffic demands, catering to the growing need for efficient public transportation in urban centers.
Their complete product offerings for the Indian market:
| Standard Gauge | Broad Gauge | |
| Track Specification |
Distance between two tracks: 1435 mm | Distance between two tracks: 1676 mm |
| Uses: For urban rail transit systems: Metro, Monorail, & Tram | Uses: Better stability, light coaches, & suited for heavier loads | |
| Operational Speeds | Capable of reaching higher speeds, enhancing safety, speed, comfort, and train performance | Max speeds at 160 kmph, yet supports heavier loads and a variety of services like freight, despite lower speeds |
| Tech. Advancements | The technology is well developed & proven, and is safer, speedier & more comfortable | The technology is preferred for its high load capacity & structural stability |
Metro systems are high-capacity urban transit solutions operating on dedicated tracks, both underground and elevated. Cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have extensive metro networks, significantly reducing traffic congestion and providing reliable public transportation. These systems are characterized by high passenger capacity and frequency.
Presence in Indian Market:
- India presently has metro projects operating in ~17 cities in India.
- Metro trains are being manufactured by several companies like BEML, Alstom & Titagarh Rail Systems with facilities in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Gujarat and Kolkata respectively.
- India’s metro expansion includes over ~900+ km operational, ~600+ km under construction and ~1000+ km proposed.
Metrolite
India is planning the Metrolite (LRT) urban transit system to serve as a feeder system for the country’s current metro systems and in areas with lower ridership projections. Metrolite would have lower operating and maintenance costs in addition to lower construction costs, which would increase the system’s viability for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India.
Their complete product offerings for the Indian market:
| Features of Metrolite System | ||
| Technical Specifications | Axle Load: Maximum 12T | Length & Motorisation: Minimum length of 33 m. Min. 50% motorized axles. |
| Train Composition: 3 non-separable coaches | Floor Height: Low floor height of 300-350 mm | |
| Material: Car structure made from stainless steel or aluminium | Dimensions: Car body width is 2.65 m. | |
| Operational Characteristics | Passenger Capacity: PHPDT capacity ranges from 2,000 to 15,000. | Track Flexibility: Adopts track curves of radius up to 25 m. |
| Operational Speed: 60 Kmph. | Passenger Loading: Up to 300 passengers. | |
| Safety & Convenience | Obstruction detection system, CCTV on platforms & trains, Emergency Evacuation System. | Possibility of installing ticket validators inside the train. |
Metrolite is a lighter urban rail transit system intended for areas with lower ridership demand. It offers a cost-effective solution with reduced construction and operational expenses compared to traditional metro systems. Metrolite systems are planned for several Indian cities to enhance urban mobility.
Presence in Indian Market:
- Presently, there are no metrolite systems operational in India.
- Metrolite rolling stock is yet to be tendered.
- The Delhi Metrolite, proposed between Kirti Nagar and Dwarka Sector-25,117 exemplifies India’s plan for cost-effective urban transit. With the government’s support, Metrolite aims to serve cities with moderate demand, blending the benefits of metro and tram systems, emphasizing affordability and integration with existing infrastructure.
MetroNeo
MetroNeo, an innovative trolley bus system with overhead electric traction, promises international standard travel experience similar to metro systems, featuring air conditioning, automatic door closing, level boarding, comfortable seating, passenger announcement and information system with electronic display.
A 100-meter-long prototype in Nagpur has been developed for analyzing the civil structures, rolling stock, signaling, station design, and intermodal integration and has been approved by Maharashtra Government and recommended by the Public Investment Board for National Government approval.
Their complete product offerings for the Indian market:
| Features of MetroNeo System | ||
| Design & Infrastructure | Coach Length: 18m or 24m. | Power Source: Powered by overhead 600-750 V DC, with battery operation up to 20km. |
| Floor Type: Low floor rolling stock with around 10T axle load | Operational Domain: Operates on roads, not on traditional tracks. | |
| Tyred electric coaches on concrete slab | Lighter and smaller than conventional Metro trains | |
| Capacity & Operations | Passenger Capacity: 180/240 passengers. | Cost and Efficiency: Provides low-cost, energy-efficient, & eco-friendly transport. |
| Speed: Design speed of 120 kmph, with operational speeds at 60 kmph | Energy efficient & reduces environmental impact | |
| Safety & Comfort | ATP Signalling with anti collision features | CCTV surveillance in stations No AFC, No PSD, small stations |
MetroNeo is an innovative, rubber-tyred electric coach system operating on elevated or at-grade tracks. It combines features of both buses and metro trains, providing a flexible and cost-effective transit solution for cities with moderate ridership. MetroNeo systems are being considered for implementation in various Indian cities.
Presence in Indian Market:
- As of now there are no metroneo systems operational in India.
- Metroneo rolling stock is yet to be awarded.
- The Nashik Metro Neo, costing ~₹2,100 crores (USD 253.01 million) is a ~32 km network, is focused on the future urban transit in India with rubber-tyred electric coaches. Approved by Maharashtra Government and recommended by the Public Investment Board, it aims for completion in the future, signaling a sustainable, cost-effective transport solution.
Water Metro:
Water metro is a mode of transportation utilizing an integrated water transport system which cater the need of the people via robust connectivity. The idea of running a metro on water is inspired by saving energy consumption and making a sustainable transportation without compromising the need of the people.
Water Metro systems represent an innovative approach to urban transportation, offering a unique blend of utility and environmental stewardship.
Their complete product offerings for the Indian market:
| Features of Water Metro | ||
| Boat Types & Capacity | Fully wheelchair accessible. | |
| Two types: 100-seater and 50-seater boats | Boats are entirely environmentally friendly and constructed with hybrid technology and infrastructure. | |
| Ferries are 24m long | ||
| Technology & Infrastructure | Docking Technology: Automatic docking system-equipped with floating pontoons. | Air conditioning, equipped with the latest safety and communication devices |
| Battery Technology: Uses lithium titanate oxide batteries | Mass charging stations with full charge in less than 15 minutes | |
| Speed & Other Features | Boat speed is 8 knots in battery mode and 10 knots in hybrid mode. | A diesel generator can power the boat in an emergency. |
The Water Metro is a ferry-based transit system designed for cities with abundant waterways. It aims to provide seamless and eco-friendly connectivity across water bodies, reducing road traffic and promoting sustainable urban transport. Kochi is pioneering this initiative with its Water Metro project.
Presence in Indian Market:
- Only Phase 1 of the Kochi Water Metro is currently operational, featuring several routes with the expectation to expand further.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is manufacturing the boats for the Kochi Water Metro.
- The Kochi Metro’s future is set for expansion along with integration with the pioneering Water Metro for seamless multimodal transport, technological advancements and sustainability efforts like solar-powered stations, aiming to elevate urban mobility and environmental stewardship in Kochi.
RRTS
The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) uses cutting-edge technology to provide comfortable, high-speed commuter service between regional cities, using advanced technology for safety, comfort, and sustainability, such as air-conditioned coaches and modern signaling systems.
With its focus on multimodal integration, the RRTS enhances urban mobility, reduces pollution, and supports economic growth by improving accessibility and promoting public transport, creating a model for future Indian transport initiatives.
Their features of system available in the Indian market:
| Features of RRTS Train | ||
| Speed & Amenities | Design speed: 180 kmph | Platform screen doors |
| Operational speed: 160 kmph | Vending machines for snacks/drinks | |
| Faster than metro trains | Magazine holders & charging points | |
| Technology and Safety | National common mobility card, digital QR code-based ticketing, on-board Wi-Fi | Luggage racks, CCTV cameras, emergency talkback buttons, sun shield on windows |
| Capacity & Integration | Total capacity: 1700 passengers | 5 standard and 1 premium coach |
| Coches: 6 coaches per train set | Multi-Modal Integration for seamless transport connectivity | |
RRTS is a semi-high-speed, high-capacity regional rail system intended to connect metropolitan cities with their surrounding regions. It aims to facilitate faster commuter movement over longer distances, reducing travel time and enhancing economic integration. The Delhi-Meerut corridor is an example of an RRTS project under development.
Each of these transit systems addresses specific urban mobility challenges, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transportation landscape in India.
Presence in Indian Market:
- The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor is the only RRTS corridor in operation in India at the moment. The priority corridor now extended till Modinagar North from Duhai Depot extends the operational length to approximately ~34 km overall.
- Alstom is manufacturing the rolling stock (trainsets) for RRTS in their factory in Gujarat.
- The RRTS project is set to revolutionize NCR’s urban transport, featuring the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, with a ~34 km section already operational. The entire ~ 82 km stretch is slated for completion by June 2025. The future plans include the development of Delhi- Gurugram- SNB- Alwar, Delhi-Panipat corridors and others.
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