India to Develop RRTS-Style Transport in Major Cities, Says Union Minister Manohar Lal
Image source: IANS
Gurugram, November 8 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Union Minister Manohar Lal on Friday announced that the government plans to expand Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)-like transport networks to other major cities across India, marking a significant step toward modernising and integrating urban mobility nationwide.
Speaking at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Gurugram, the Minister highlighted that India’s ongoing investments in metro rail and sustainable transport infrastructure are rapidly transforming urban connectivity and commuter experience.
“Transport systems similar to the RRTS will be developed in other major cities besides Delhi,” said Manohar Lal. “The government aims to strengthen urban mobility through innovative, efficient, and sustainable modes of transport, ensuring that last-mile connectivity is no longer a barrier.”
India’s Growing Metro Network: Third-Largest in the World
The Minister underlined India’s rapid progress in building one of the largest metro rail networks globally, with 1,100 km of operational routes across multiple cities.
“With nearly 1,100 km of metro rail already operational, India now ranks as the third-largest metro network in the world,” he said. “At the current pace, we will soon attain the second position globally.”
This development reflects the government’s commitment to urban transformation, combining infrastructure growth with sustainability. Manohar Lal also noted that metro systems are increasingly serving as the backbone of urban transport ecosystems in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.
However, he acknowledged that last-mile connectivity — the critical link between metro stations and commuters’ final destinations — remains a challenge that must be addressed through integrated transport planning, shared mobility options, and digital payment solutions.
Expanding the RRTS Model Nationwide
The announcement marks a major policy shift as the government looks to replicate the success of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor, India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail network, in other major urban centres.
The RRTS model, designed for fast, comfortable, and energy-efficient commuting, connects suburban and metropolitan regions, significantly cutting travel time and reducing traffic congestion.
The new initiative aims to develop similar intercity and intra-regional corridors in metro regions like Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Bengaluru, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Chennai, and Hyderabad, among others.
Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) said these future projects will be implemented through public-private partnerships (PPP), leveraging the expertise of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and its subsidiaries.
DMRC to Act as Nodal Agency for Urban Transit Projects
In a significant announcement, the Minister said that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) — India’s most experienced urban transit authority — will serve as the nodal agency for implementing consultancy, construction, management, and turnkey projects in India and abroad.
Through its subsidiary, Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), DMRC will work under MoHUA’s guidance to manage large-scale infrastructure projects, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
“DMRC, through its subsidiaries, will support the Ministry in the planning, coordination, and management of Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) across the country,” Manohar Lal confirmed.
The minister emphasized that this institutional framework will not only streamline project execution but also ensure uniform standards of safety, technology, and service quality across urban transport systems.
Boosting Electric Mobility: PM e-Bus Sewa
Highlighting India’s transition toward green mobility, Manohar Lal announced that under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, 10,000 electric buses will be deployed across smaller and mid-sized cities.
Out of these, 100 e-buses have been earmarked for Gurugram, reinforcing the government’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in urban areas.
“The introduction of e-buses is a step toward achieving our sustainability goals,” the minister said. “Electric mobility will play a vital role in reducing urban pollution and providing affordable public transport options.”
Mobility as a Driver of Socio-Economic Growth
Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, echoed the sentiment that mobility is far more than a mode of transportation — it is a driver of socio-economic transformation.
He stressed the need for inclusive mobility systems that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and efficiency.
“Mobility is not merely a mode of transport but a driver of socio-economic growth,” Sahu said. “Initiatives like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) are revolutionizing urban commuting and enabling seamless inter-city connectivity.”
The TOD framework aims to create high-density, mixed-use developments near transit hubs, reducing travel time and promoting sustainable land use. Meanwhile, the NCMC — known as India’s “One Nation, One Card” — integrates multiple payment systems, allowing commuters to pay for metro, bus, and rail travel using a single digital card.
Integrated Urban Development and Future Vision
Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA, underlined that integrated urban development and mobility planning are essential to enhancing liveability and sustainability in India’s expanding cities.
He called for greater collaboration between central and state governments to align urban policies with long-term sustainability goals.
“Urban mobility planning must be inclusive and integrated,” he said. “The success of India’s cities will depend on how efficiently we link infrastructure, housing, and public transport to create liveable and climate-resilient communities.”
The Secretary also highlighted that the government is focusing on data-driven mobility planning through smart city platforms and GIS mapping tools, ensuring better decision-making in infrastructure design and resource allocation.
A Vision for Smarter, Sustainable Cities
The Urban Mobility India Conference 2025, hosted by MoHUA, serves as a platform for policymakers, transport experts, and industry leaders to exchange ideas on improving public transport systems and making cities more inclusive and environmentally friendly.
The 2025 edition has focused on sustainable mobility, smart public transport systems, electric vehicles, and climate-friendly infrastructure, aligning with India’s net-zero commitment by 2070.
With the expansion of RRTS-style transport systems, increased adoption of e-buses, and coordinated planning under DMRC, India’s urban mobility ecosystem is on track for a technological and environmental transformation.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Union Minister Manohar Lal’s announcement at the UMI 2025 Conference signals a new era for urban mobility in India, where speed, sustainability, and smart technology converge to redefine public transport.
As India prepares to replicate the RRTS model across major cities, the focus on last-mile connectivity, electric mobility, and integrated planning could transform how millions commute daily.
The journey toward cleaner, faster, and more connected cities has begun — and India’s blueprint for the urban transport revolution is taking shape.