Synopsis: India has made a revolutionary change in the public transport landscape with many states having taken the lead in developing transit networks that are efficient, sustainable, and oriented towards passengers. The development of metro systems and improved bus systems alongside new forms of multi-modal integration has transformed urban transportation in India.
India’s public transport landscape is rapidly evolving, with several states leading the way in efficient, sustainable, and passenger-friendly transit systems. In 2025, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other states have set benchmarks through metro expansions, electric buses, and multi-modal integration, transforming urban mobility across the country. Here are the 10 states which have excelled in their public transport systems during 2025.
1. Delhi
Delhi continues to raise the standards in the field of public transport with its record-winning performances in 2025. On August 8, 2025, the Delhi Metro recorded the highest single-day riding of 8.18 million passenger journeys.
Delhi Metro is the largest and busiest metro in the country having 395km of running lines serving 289 stations. The Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) with Namo Bharat trains with a maximum speed of 160 kmph represents India’s advancement towards semi high speed rail and the entire route is expected to be completed in Sept 2025. Delhi Transportation Corporation (DTC) provides electric bus services at affordable prices ensuring seamless connectivity.
2. Karnataka
On August 10, 2025, the Namma Metro network was extended to 96.1 km and 83 stations with the opening of the Yellow Line by Prime Minister Modi. This Yellow Line covering 19.15 km between RV Road and Bommasandra cost 7160 crore and will serve more than 8 lakh daily commuters. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has more than 6,500 buses in its fleet, including a rapidly growing fleet of electric vehicles, which reached 1,436 electric buses in July 2025. The electric fleet is expected to grow to well over 10,000, adding another 4,500 electric buses through various schemes.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has gained a remarkable recognition in 2025 and has received numerous reputable awards along with other nationally and globally recognized awards for innovation and excellence.
3. Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a prominent transport provision with the suburban rail system in Mumbai acting as the lifeline of the metro area. The expansion of new lines on the Mumbai Metro has made the movement in the metropolitan region much easier. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has comprehensive services in 272 routes with 222 destinations in a day and offers intrastate and interstate services. The BEST is evolving with the usage of electric buses and improved integration with rail services.
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4. Tamil Nadu
With Chennai’s Metropolitan transport corporation (MTC) running 3,376 buses at 3,233 scheduled routes, which ferry an average of 5.092 million commuters daily, Tamil Nadu continues to be at the top. The Chennai Metro Rail offers smooth connectivity with the vast feeder routes offered by MTC- with special Metro Connect services connecting different stations to major destinations. The state commitment to access also reflects in the low floor buses and extensive route networks that cover the urban and suburban regions.
5. Gujarat
Gujarat has maintained its strong advance in public transport integrations with the Ahmedabad Metro, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC), and an upcoming High Speed Rail. The Ahmedabad BRTS has been in operation since 2009 and occupies a total of 118 km and 18 lines along with 139 stations. GSRTC is one of the oldest and renowned state-wide public transport operators in India with more than 8,300 buses in operation since 1960.
6. Telangana
The Hyderabad Metro of Telangana is one of the most technologically advanced systems in India with automated operations and modern facilities. The metro rides on three color routes encompassing 72 kilometers.The TGSRTC, which serves as an extension to the metro, boasts of an expansive network of buses, and has achieved incredible integration through unified mobility solutions.
7. West Bengal
The Kolkata Metro has its significance as it brought the metro revolution in India, the first rapid transit system inaugurated in West Bengal in 1984. The state recorded tremendous growth in 2025 when Prime Minister Modi inaugurated approx 14km of new metro connectivity, extensions of Green, Yellow, and Orange lines. The Kolkata Metro has the deepest metro station in India at Howrah which is 34 meters underground.
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8. Kerala
Kerala has transformed the world of public transport through the provision of the Kochi Metro, the first rapid transit system in the world that is fully run by women. Metro connectivity has been improved with the introduction of innovative feeder buses by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to metro stations that run every 15 minutes, thereby providing better connectivity over last-mile. The Kochi Water Metro integration is the first tri-modal transport system in India that integrates water, road and rail transport.
9. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has one of the largest fleets of buses in North India and serves the State and nearby areas connectivity. UPSRTC offers modern systems of tracking, and allows passengers to track buses scheduled using mobile applications. State’s Infrastructure includes operational metro systems and expansion prospects with UPSRTC connecting several routes.
10. Rajasthan
Rajasthan has achieved a lot with the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operating 4,500 buses across more than 2230 destinations. The Jaipur Metro is a major milestone and is the sixth metro in India and the first one to operate on triple storey elevated streets. The state also provides a variety of bus services such as Volvo air-conditioned, Deluxe and Super-Deluxe.
Final Thoughts
Public transport plays a critical role in making cities sustainable, reducing congestion and providing affordable mobility for millions of people. Large states such as Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra lead the way, emerging cities like Bhubaneswar are modernising transit systems and are sledding the way. Public transportation remains a key pillar in India’s quest to achieve smarter and greener mobility while ensuring inclusive urban growth.
Written by Prajwal Hegde
