Metro Rail Policy 2017

The Metro Rail Policy was unveiled in 2017 and it contains some very clear directives for undertaking Metro rail projects in various urban centres. It opens a big window for private investments in metro operations by making PPP component mandatory for availing central assistance on metro projects.

The Metro Rail Policy 2017 has laid out three significant conditions for catalysing development of Metro rail systems -

• It will be the responsibility of the state governments to explore and choose various options for urban mobility and then implement the project.
• A Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) is a mandatory prerequisite for planning Metro rail in any city.
• There should be a statutory body called Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for ensuring an integrated approach in planning and management of urban transport.

Rationale of the Policy

• Enhancing mobility in cities through metro rail.
• Explore alternative and innovative sources of funds.
• Comprehensive appraisal speedy implementation.
• Social, Economic and environmental sustainability in urban transport.

Since the inauguration of first metro line in Delhi in 2002, till August 2021 about 730 kms of metro lines are operational in 18 different cities. About 1,049 kms of metro rail / RRTS projects are under construction in various cities”.