The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is moving to establish a global presence with its newly formed subsidiary, Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), aiming to take on consultancy, construction, and operational projects internationally. This strategic expansion targets Australia, the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, signalling India’s growing footprint in global urban mobility solutions.
Announced at the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference, DMIL will execute turnkey projects, provide operational management, and offer advisory services for urban rail networks. A senior official explained that the creation of a separate entity allows DMRC to ring-fence resources and manage risks without affecting domestic operations. By establishing a dedicated international arm, the corporation aims to collaborate with foreign governments, multilateral agencies, and established metro operators while sharing India’s expertise in rapid transit systems. DMIL will also assume responsibility for ongoing operations in major Indian metro projects, including Mumbai Metro Line-3 and Chennai Metro Phase-2. Its mandate encompasses planning, design, and project execution for metro, rapid rail, and high-speed transport systems, along with consultancy in feasibility studies, operational strategy, and policy advisory. Experts note that such a diversified mandate positions DMIL as a one-stop provider for cities seeking efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven urban transport solutions.
The initiative reflects a broader push to leverage India’s experience in delivering cost-effective, high-quality metro systems for global markets. “Establishing DMIL allows us to export operational excellence while maintaining robust oversight of domestic networks,” a senior DMRC official said. Analysts suggest that expanding into international markets could generate knowledge transfer, promote sustainable transit solutions, and enhance India’s reputation in urban infrastructure innovation. In parallel, DMRC is revamping its training academy to support DMIL’s international ambitions. The upgraded DMRC Academy will include an Incubation Centre to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and start-ups, enabling the development of new technologies and operational strategies for urban mobility challenges. This reflects a growing emphasis on nurturing sustainable and inclusive transit solutions that incorporate innovation and low-carbon strategies.
Industry observers highlight that the move comes at a time when cities globally are prioritising green, efficient, and connected transport. DMIL’s international engagements could provide Indian best practices in planning, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability to metropolitan projects worldwide. Such collaborations also offer opportunities for revenue diversification and reinforce India’s position as a leader in affordable, technology-enabled urban transport solutions. With DMIL’s establishment, Delhi Metro positions itself as a globally recognised urban transport partner, combining technical expertise, operational experience, and a commitment to sustainable mobility. The initiative underscores India’s ability to export transit solutions that meet the twin objectives of efficiency and environmental responsibility, while creating pathways for global urban connectivity.
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