Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently highlighted the rapid development of urban metro transport in India, predicting that the country will soon have the world's second-largest urban metro system.
Speaking to an audience that included former judges, veterans, and intellectuals, Puri discussed the significant strides made in metro infrastructure over the past decade.
During the interaction, Puri emphasised the increasing use of metro systems in urban areas. He noted that currently, around 10 million people use metro services daily in India, with 7.3 million of these riders coming from the Delhi National Capital Region.
He stressed that despite the growing population in cities, urban transport systems have made it easier for people to move across cities efficiently.
Puri shared that India currently operates 945 kilometres of metro lines, with an additional 1,000 kilometres under construction. This expansion is expected to be completed in the next two and a half years, placing India second only to China in terms of urban metro infrastructure.
Reflecting on the origins of India's metro development, Puri credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for initiating the metro system in 2002. He also praised the current administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its ongoing efforts to modernise the country's transport infrastructure.
In addition to metro development, Puri touched upon the modernization of India's police forces. He referred to the BJP manifesto, which includes commitments to transforming the police into a more tech-savvy and equipped force. He highlighted the progress made over the past decade and the plans for further reforms in the coming years.
Former Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi also spoke at the event, praising the Modi government's innovative approach to governance. Bassi highlighted the administration's support for out-of-the-box thinking and its efforts to enhance security through improved intelligence and proactive measures. He noted that there have been no bomb attacks in Delhi in the past decade, attributing this success to the government's robust security policies.
Bassi also commended the expansion of the Delhi Metro, recalling the traffic challenges of the 1970s and the significant improvements brought about by the metro system's growth. He shared insights from conversations with people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, who expressed their support for Modi's leadership and the development it promises for their home states.
Puri concluded by stating that the interaction was not only about reflecting on past achievements but also about gathering valuable suggestions for future initiatives.
He mentioned that many attendees expressed confidence in Modi's leadership, particularly in terms of reducing tensions with Pakistan and addressing issues in the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The discussion highlighted the substantial progress in India's metro infrastructure and police modernization, reflecting a broader commitment to development and security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
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