Delhi Metro may soon get premium coaches and dedicated high-end mobility options as part of a comprehensive push to improve urban transit. Addressing Namo Bharat Divas organised by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) – the agency responsible for Namo Bharat RRTS operations, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal highlighted that upcoming transport networks are modern, accessible, and time-saving. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated the 82-kilometre Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, setting the stage for major regional expansions across the National Capital Region.
Expanding urban transit networks and regional rail corridors
India’s combined metro and RRTS network has expanded dramatically from 248 kilometres in 2014 to 1,186 kilometres today, securing the nation third place globally. Consequently, authorities aim to surpass the United States’ 1,400-kilometre metro network within the next two years.
Additionally, upcoming regional corridors in the pipeline include Delhi-Karnal, Delhi to Bawal, and Shahjahanpur, pending final cabinet approval. Meanwhile, a third project connecting Gurugram to Jewar is also under active consideration to reshape the capital region’s connectivity.
| Urban Transit & Infrastructure Parameter | Expansion Metrics & Future Development Plans |
| Current Metro & RRTS Network | 1,186 kilometres (ranking India third globally) |
| Upcoming Regional Corridors | Delhi-Karnal, Delhi-Bawal, Shahjahanpur, and Gurugram-Jewar |
| Last-Mile Connectivity Meeting | Scheduled for October 22, 2026 |
| Innovative Transit Additions | Premium metro coaches, high-end car services, and fast exit gates |
Introducing premium coaches and integrated housing above stations
To address last-mile commuting challenges, the ministry is exploring the addition of one or two luxury or premium coaches inside metros alongside luxury cab services. Specifically, these upgraded amenities cater to commuters seeking time-saving convenience without hesitation over cost.
“There was an old saying that when people start living in an area, then roads come and transport begins. However, today, the new saying is where there is transport modes, roads, metros, railways and RRTS, there emerges good cities….Today, there is just one difficulty in taking Metro. You have to go to the metro station, travel to your office destination and then go to office from metro station. We have decided to improve the last-mile connectivity. I have urged officials to use technology to find a medium or make a provision so that one gets picked from home for metro station and then again for metro station to office commute,” said Manohar Lal.
“There will be a meeting on last mile connectivity on October 22 and we are even discusing provision of one or two luxury coaches in metros. We are also trying to give the facility of luxury car service from home to metro and metro to office. As those seeking luxury don’t hesitate in spending money and all they need is to save their time and luxury amenities. We are also exploring separate or fast exit facilities for those commuters….Similar luxury cab facility will be integrated with RRTS stations as well,” he added.
Furthermore, transportation and housing are being closely integrated. Officials have directed the DDA to develop affordable housing within a 500-metre radius of metro stations and explore multi-storey residential towers directly above tracks and station buildings.
“Transportation and housing are connected. We have asked DDA to explore affordable housing in 500 meter radius of metros so that they can walk up to metro. We are also exploring options to build housing facilities/multi-storey buildings above tracks or above station buildings to provide last-mile connectivity,” said Manohar Lal.
