Lok Sabha Question No. 5420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-03
Subject: Advancement and Innovations in Metro Systems
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5420 TO BE ANSWERED ON APRIL 03, 2025

## ADVANCEMENT AND INNOVATIONS IN METRO SYSTEMS

NO. 5420.     DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the recent advancements and innovations aimed to improve urban transport and enhance connectivity in metro systems across the country, State-wise including Tamil Nadu;
- (b) the number of new metro projects initiated/under planning stages in Tamil Nadu along with their expected impact on urban mobility and congestion in major cities;
- (c) the details of the technological improvements and modernizations being  implemented  in  metro  systems  in  Tamil  Nadu  to  increase efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort;
- (d) the details of the funds allocated by the Government for expansion and development of the metro systems in Tamil Nadu along with the timeline fixed for their completion; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to integrate metro systems  with  other  modes  of  public  transport  in  Tamil  Nadu  by ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a) &  (c)  A  number  of  advancements  and  technological  innovations  have taken place during the recent years in various Metro Rail operational in the country, improving efficiency, sustainability and passenger comforts. Some of the noteworthy technological advancements are:
- (i)  Introduction  of  Namo  Bharat  Train-  India's  first  State  of  Art  Namo Bharat train with design speed of 180 kmph and operational speed of 160 kmph has been introduced on priority section between New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South Depot on Delhi- Meerut RRTS corridor;

- (ii) European Train Control System (ETCS) - World's first State of Art ETCS level II with Hybrid level-III radio based train signaling system on Long Term Evolution (LTE) backbone has been introduced on Namo Bharat trains  running  between  New  Ashok  Nagar  to  Meerut  South  Depot  on Delhi- Meerut RRTS corridor  enhancing passenger safety to a new level.
- (iii) Platform Screen Door (PSD) - For improved safety and to reduce the risk of accidents, PSD has been jointly developed by Bharat Electronics Limited  (BEL)  with  National  Capital  Region  Transport  Corporation (NCRTC);
- (iv) National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) - One Nation-One card i.e. NCMC work on all NCMC enabled transport systems in the country;
- (v)  QR  based  Ticketing  -  QR  based  ticketing  system  has  facilitated booking of tickets from Mobile based apps;
- (vi)  Unmanned  Train  Operations  (UTO)  -  For  improved  efficiency  and quality  of  service  including  better  utilization  of  resources,  UTO  is functional on Delhi Metro Rail Corporation;
- (vii) Indigenous Automatic Train Supervision system (i-ATS) - India's first Indigenously built Automatic Train Supervision System developed by the combined efforts of DMRC and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been implemented on Red Line of Delhi Metro.

Out of above technology improvements, National Common Mobility Card, QR based ticketing, platform screen doors etc. have been provided in Chennai  Metro  project.  In  addition,  Chennai  Metro  Phase-2  has  been planned for UTO operations.

- (b),  (d)  &  (e)  Urban  transport,  which  is  an  integral  part  of  urban development, is a state subject. Hence, respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) is responsible for planning, initiating, integration of metro rail project with other modes of public transport and expansion  of  urban  transport  infrastructure.  The  Central  Government considers  financial  assistance  for  such  projects  in  cities  or  urban agglomerates,  based  on  feasibility  of  the  proposal  and  availability  of resources, as and when posed by the concerned State Government/Union

Territory (UT). Central Government has sanctioned Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I and Phase-I Extension projects with 54 km route length at the sanctioned cost of ₹ 22,149.92 crores. Government of India has released the entire fund to the tune of ₹ 15,355.78 crores for Chennai Metro PhaseI including its extension and the projects are fully operational. Further, Central  Government  has  approved  Chennai  Metro  Phase-II  project  as 50:50 Joint Venture project at the cost of Rs 63,246.4 crore in October 2024. As per sanction order, total contribution from Government of India for Chennai Metro Rail Phase2 project is ₹ 7,424.9 Cr towards Equity and Subordinate Debt. In addition, Central Government is also providing pass through  assistance  against  the  external  loan  as  per  sanction  order. Central Government has released fund to the tune of Rs 5,554.15 crore for  Chennai  Metro  phase-2  project  since  its  sanction  in  the  month  of October 2024.

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