Utilizing the Metro: Your Full Handbook to Efficient Public Transit
Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro is a mass rapid transit (MRT) system that covers Delhi and the Indian National Capital Region’s satellite cities of Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Bahadurgarh.
The Delhi Metro stands second-oldest metro rail service in India after the Kolkata Metro, and it additionally happens to be the nation’s largest and busiest metro service. The network uses both broad-gauge and standard-gauge to link a variety of underground, at-grade, and elevated stations. Over 2,700 excursions are carried out by the Delhi Metro every single day between 05:30 and 23:30.
Tonnes of commuters and travelers can now reach their intended destinations swiftly, effortlessly, and pleasantly owing to the Delhi Metro, which has emerged as a vital component of the city.
When did it begin (The History of Delhi Metro)?
A 1969 investigation of the city’s traffic and travel habits established an outline for the proposal of mass swift transportation in New Delhi.
In 1984, the Urban Arts Commission proposed building three subterranean mass rapid transit stretches as well as improving the city’s preexisting suburban railway and roadway networks within the framework of the planning of a multi-modal transportation system.
On May 3, 1995, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was chartered alongside the governing bodies of Delhi and India under Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Elattuvalapil Sreedharan served as the organization’s managing director.
On October 1st, 1998, the beginning of the Delhi Metro’s structural development commenced.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India’s former prime minister, inaugurated the Red Line, the Delhi Metro’s first line, on December 24, 2002.
When the Vishwa Vidyalaya-Kashmere Gate subsection of the Yellow Line opened on December 20, 2004, the Delhi Metro became the subsequent subterranean rapid transit system in India after the Kolkata Metro. Manmohan Singh, India’s then-prime minister, unveiled this underground line.
The project’s initial phase was finished in 2006.
PHASE I
Within the confines of Delhi State, a 64.75 km extensive route with 59 stations and a total of 3 routes (initial segments of the Red, Yellow, and Blue lines) was constructed. Stations debuted gradually between December 25, 2002, and November 11, 2006.
PHASE II
10 additional routes and extensions were constructed, resulting in the network being an aggregate of 123.3 km long. Of these, seven routes are expansion boosts of the initial phase network, three are new color-coded lines, and three routes connect to other cities in the national capital region (the Yellow Line connects with Gurgaon, the Blue Line runs to Noida, and the Blue Line travels to Ghaziabad).
Phases I and II finished with a combined network stretch of 188.05 km, with 145 stations gradually becoming functional between June 4, 2008, and August 27, 2011.
PHASE III
New radial routes were added to the network as part of phases I (Red, Yellow, and Blue lines) and II (Green, Violet, and Airport Express lines). Phase III consisted of eight extensions to the present-day lines, the construction of two ring lines (the Pink and Magenta lines together with the Grey line), and improvements to connection and traffic reduction. It cost 410.079 billion (US$5.1 billion) and features 28 subterranean stations, 3 new lines, and 7 route expansions. The overall length is 160.07 kilometers. The Pink Line, which runs on the Inner Ring Road (Line 7), the Magenta Line, which runs on the Outer Ring Road (Line 8), and the Grey Line, which connects Dwarka and Najafgarh (Line 9), are the three new lines of Phase-III.
PHASE IV
Under Construction
Delhi Metro Map
The network is composed of 10 colored lines that stretch 348.12 km and include 255 stations.
| Lines | No. of Stations | Start/End | End/Start | Delhi Metro Timings |
| Red Line | 29 | Shaheed Stha | Rithala | The metro trains typically operate every 3 minutes. |
| Yellow Line | 37 | Samaypur Badli | HUDA City Centre | During rush hour, train trips running on this line frequently operate every 2 minutes on average. |
| Blue Line | 50 | Noida Electronic city | Dwarka sector 21 | The metro trains typically operate every 1 minute. |
| Blue Line | 8 | Yamuna Bank | Vaishali | The metro trains typically operate every 5 minutes. |
| Green Line | 24 | Inderlok | Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh | The metro trains typically operate every 1/2 minutes. |
| Violet Line | 34 | Kasmere Gate | Raja Nahar Singh | The metro trains typically operate every 1 minute. |
| Airport Express Line (Orange Line) | 6 | New Delhi | Dwarka Sector 21 | The metro trains typically operate every 5 minutes. |
| Pink Line | 38 | Mukundpur Depot | Shiv Vihar | The metro trains typically operate every 5/6 minutes. |
| Magenta Line | 25 | Janakpuri West | Botanical Garden | The metro trains typically operate every 2/3 minutes. |
| Grey Line | 4 | Dwarka | Dhansa Bus Stand | The metro trains typically operate every 5/6 minute. |
Source: Delhi Metro Map
Delhi Metro fare breakup
| Distance (Kilometers) | Weekdays | Weekends |
| 0-2 | Rs. 10 | Rs. 10 |
| 2-5 | Rs. 20 | Rs. 10 |
| 5-12 | Rs. 30 | Rs. 20 |
| 12-21 | Rs. 40 | Rs. 30 |
| 21-32 | Rs. 50 | Rs. 40 |
| Above 32 | Rs. 60 | Rs. 50 |
DMRC introduces a mobile app for devices
To make it simple for customers to get information on the Delhi Metro, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has released a smartphone application. As the program functions on both iPhones and Android devices with an Internet or GPRS connection, smartphone users can receive information via GPS.
All of the main choices are supposed to be available on the home screen, and the application is said to offer an intuitive user interface for simple navigation.
The mobile application can be downloaded either via the Play Store or the App Store.
Delhi Metro introduces an online smart card recharging system.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has made it possible to recharge Metro smart cards online. Commuters will be able to recharge their smart cards using their credit or debit cards thanks to this option. The smart card offers a 10% travel discount. The lowest transaction amount is Rs. 200, and the most that may be charged to a single card is Rs. 3000.
Press release by Delhi Metro
Source: Press Release
Expansion of Delhi Metro
The DMRC has made plans to add 12.55 kilometers to the Pink Line. The Pink Line will be the nation’s first ring metro when the extension connecting Majlis Park station in the north and Maujpur station in the east is finished, spanning a distance of 71.17 km. By June 2024, the corridor is anticipated to be completely operational.
As part of the Delhi Metro Phase 4 extension project, which involves building 65 km of additional lines over three separate corridors, DMRC is building around 28 km of new underground corridors.
The DMRC has also suggested extending the Red Line, which runs from Kundli in Haryana all the way up to Rithala and Narela. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be connected by this metro line for the first time. This will be the fourth extension of the Delhi Metro into Haryana, following the Yellow Line (Gurgaon), Violet Line (Faridabad), and Green Line (Bahadurgarh). Currently, the Red Line runs from Rithala to Shaheed Sthal (Ghaziabad).
Hyderabad Metro
The Hyderabad Metro Rail is the largest public-private partnership metro project in the entire globe. It extends across 69.2 kilometers across 3 corridors, revolutionizing Hyderabad and sparking a flourishing local economy. After the Delhi Metro and Namma Metro (Bengaluru), it is India’s third-longest-running metro network.
The Hyderabad Metro, which operates on a DBFOT (Design, build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) basis, is the largest elevated metro rail system in the world.
The construction firm L&T created a special purpose vehicle company, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd. (L&TMRHL), to develop the Hyderabad metro rail project.
When did it begin (The History of Hyderabad Metro)?
In 2003, the proposal to build a metro system in Hyderabad was initially brought up. The project was intended to solve the developing city’s transportation needs and increasing traffic congestion.
On November 29, 2017, the Hyderabad Metro Rail project officially began operations. Both the Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri K. Chandrashekar Rao, and the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, participated in its inaugural. At the city’s Miyapur Metro Station, the inaugural event was held.
PHASE I
In April 2012, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Larsen and Toubro Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd (LTMRHL) commenced construction work on the 72 km Phase 1 project of Hyderabad Metro. Miyapur-Ameerpet-Nagole, the first segment, was inaugurated in November 2017; JBS-MGBS, the last portion, launched on February 7, 2020.
The following three new standard gauge track lines will be built during this phase:
- Red Line
- Green Line
- Blue Line
PHASE II
Currently in the proposal stage is the 63 km Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 project with an Airport Express Line. Three new lines and extensions of existing lines were included in the detailed project report (DPR) that was presented to the Telangana government for approval in February 2020. The Telangana Chief Minister laid the cornerstone for the Airport Express Line on December 9, 2022. The project will be carried out by Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) and is anticipated to cost Rs. 6,250 crore. The Phase 2 project is expected to include 4 elevated corridors, 1 new line, and 3 expansions of the current lines established in the 67-kilometre Phase 1 project, according to the most recent plan made public by Hyderabad Metro’s MD.
PHASE III
The BRS government would contemplate extending the Metro Rail up to Ramoji Film City and other areas of Hyderabad during Phase III, citing K. T. Rama Rao’s statement from February 2023. According to K. T. Rama Rao, the BRS government has a bold plan to extend Hyderabad’s metro system to 250 km, which will include a line that runs from Jubilee Bus Station to ECIL.
Hyderabad Metro Map
The Hyderabad metro’s Phase I contains 64 stations; to access the stations, passengers use escalators and lifts as well as information boards and electronic display systems. Additionally, the stations have service lanes underneath them so that people using other public transit systems may get on and off.
| Line | Number of stations | Start/End | End/Start | Entension(Under Construction) | Frequency of Rail |
| Red Line | 27 | Miyapur | LB Nagar | Miyapur – Lakdikapul | 4/5 mins during peak hoursEvery 7 minutes during non-peak hours |
| Green Line | 9 | Raidurg | Nagole | Raidurg – MindspaceNagole – LB Nagar | 4/5 mins during peak hoursEvery 7 minutes during non-peak hours |
| Blue Line | 23 | JBS PG | MGBS | MGBS – Falaknuma | 4/5 mins during peak hoursEvery 7 minutes during non-peak hours |
| Airport Line Express (Under Construction) | 8 | Mindspace | Ragiv Gandi International Airport | – | – |
Source: Hyderabad Metro Map
Hyderabad Metro fare breakup
| Distance (Km) | Metro Fare (Rs.) | Smart Card Fare (Rs.) |
| 0-2 | 10 | 9 |
| 2-4 | 15 | 13.5 |
| 4-6 | 25 | 22.5 |
| 6-8 | 30 | 27 |
| 8-10 | 35 | 31.5 |
| 10-14 | 40 | 36 |
| 14-18 | 45 | 40.5 |
| 18-22 | 50 | 45 |
| 22-26 | 55 | 49.5 |
| Above 26 | 60 | 54 |
Source: Hyderabad Metro Fare
Hyderabad Metro Tickets
On every journey purchased with a smart card, there is a 10% discount.
A smart card can be recharged for as little as Rs. 50 and as much as 3000.
The HMR Passenger website (www.ltmetro.com), the TSavaari App, or the Paytm App can all be used to reload the smart card.
GREEN METRO
Source: Green Metro
Bengaluru Metro
The “Namma Metro” or Bangalore Metro significantly enhances travel comfort while additionally improving the visual appeal of Bengaluru’s skyline. In addition, Namma Metro greatly reduces carbon emissions, making it a significant sustainable contribution to Bengaluru City. The Namma Metro comprises an assortment of elevated, at grade, and underground stops. The organization responsible for constructing, running, and growing the Namma Metro network is Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), a joint venture of the Government of India and the State Government of Karnataka.
When did it begin (The History of Bengaluru Metro)?
Back in 1977, the State Town Planning Department had suggested researching the possibility of building a metro system for Bangalore.
Another commission to study mass rapid transportation was constituted by the state of Karnataka in 1993.
In order to find a public-private collaboration for a mass transport project, the state established Bangalore Mass Rapid transport Ltd (BMRTL) in 1994.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which had successfully built the Delhi Metro, was given a commission by the Government of Karnataka in 2003 to do a thorough feasibility assessment for a metro in Bangalore, replicating the technical and financial facets of the strategy used in Delhi.
PHASE I
The detailed project for the first phase of Namma Metro was produced and submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) in May 2003. Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was the prime minister at the time, lay the cornerstone for Phase 1’s construction on June 24, 2006. On October 20, 2011, the public may finally access Reach-1, the first stretch of the Namma Metro. Phase 1 consists of two lines totaling 42.30 kilometres in length, of which 8.82 kilometres are subterranean and 33.48 kilometres are elevated. In Phase 1, there are 40 stations total, 32 of which are elevated and 7 of which are underground.
PHASE II
On January 4, 2011, the State Government gave the go-ahead for DMRC to prepare the Phase 2 detailed project report (DPR). Phase 2 adds 62 stations to the network, 12 of which are underground, covering a length of 72.095-13.79 km underground, 0.48 km at grade, and 57.825 km raised. Phase 2 entails building two additional lines in addition to extending the two lines from Phase 1 in both directions.
PHASE III
A 124 km Initial plans for Phase 3 were made in May 2016. Phase 3 is anticipated to cover a distance of around 80 kilometres.
Bengaluru Metro Map
| Lines | Number of station | Start/End | End/Start |
| Purple Line | 35 + 2 under construction | Whitefield (Kadugodi) | Challaghatta |
| Green Line | 28 + 3 under construction | Nagasandra | Silk Institute |
| Yellow Line | 16 under construction | Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road | Bommasandara |
| Pink Line | 18 under construction | Kalena Agrahara | Nagawara |
| Blue Line | 32 under construction | Central Silk Board | KIA Terminals |
Source: Bengaluru Metro Map
Summary
The Delhi Metro is a rapid transit (MRT) system covering Delhi and the Indian National Capital Region’s satellite cities of Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Bahadurgarh. It is the second-oldest metrorail service in India and the largest and busiest metro service. The network uses both broad-gauge and standard-gauge stations and covers over 2,700 daily excursions. The Delhi Metro has undergone several phases, including the construction of the RedLine, the YellowLine, and the Green, Violet, and Airport Express lines. The network’s total length is 160.07 kilometers, with the PinkLine, the Magenta Line, and the GreenLine running on the inner Ring Road. The Delhi Metro also introduced a mobile app for devices, allowing customers to receive information via GPS. The Delhi Metro also introduced an online smartcard recharge system, allowing commuters to recharge their smart cards using their credit card.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail is India’s largest public-private partnership metro project, spanning 69.2 kilometers across three corridors. It operates on a DBFOT basis and is the largest elevated metro rail system in the world. The project began in 2003 and has since been completed in phases, including the 72 km Phase 1 project, which commenced in April 2012, and the 63 km Phase 2 project with an Airport Express Line. The project is expected to cost Rs. 6,250 crores and includes four elevated corridors, one new line, and three expansions of the current lines. The BRS government plans to extend the metro system to 250 km, including a line from Jubilee Bus Station to ECIL. The Hyderabad Metro’s Phase I contains 64 stations, with escalators, lifts, information boards, and electronic display systems.
The Bengaluru Metro, also known as the “Namma Metro,” is a sustainable and visually appealing metro system that enhances travel comfort and reduces carbon emissions. The Namma Metro network consists of elevated, at-grade, and underground stops. The project began in 1977 with the State Town Planning Department suggesting a metro system for Bangalore. The state established Bangalore Mass Rapid Transport Ltd (BMRTL) in 1994, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was given a commission to conduct a feasibility assessment for a metro in Bangalore. Phase 1 of the Namma Metro was completed in 2006, with 40 stations in Phase 1. Phase 2 added 62 stations, including 12 underground ones, covering a distance of 72.095-13.79 km underground, 0.48 km at grade, and 57.825 km raised. Phase 3 is expected to cover around 80 km.