Imagine a modern metropolis landscape and it will perhaps comprise of three things: Skyscrapers along the horizon, vehicles on the road and overhead metro rail system. But travel back in time, a few decades, when India’s oldest metro rail in Kolkata was flagged off; it covered only a few kilometres and was more of a novelty than a choice of rapid transportation.

Fast forward to 2025, and trains have evolved into sleek, high-tech marvels. Today’s metro systems aren’t just modes of transport; they are sophisticated, eco-friendly gadgets designed to redefine the commuting experience. With futuristic exteriors and tech-infused interiors, modern metros promise not just speed and efficiency but also an unparalleled level of comfort, safety, and connectivity.

The transformation in design has been more than just visual – it reflects a profound shift in how cities in India are tackling urban mobility challenges, creating smarter, more sustainable transit solutions for millions of commuters every day.

Contemporary and regional design elements

Modern design approaches railway carriages with a nuanced perspective, leading to contemporary and regional design elements being incorporated into Mumbai and Agra’s metro cars.

For instance, metro trainsets for the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation are custom designed with Mumbai’s vibrancy and tempo in mind. They’re themed around dynamic fluidity, which reflects the undying energy of Mumbai and its people who are always on the move. In addition to capturing the city’s spirit, trainsets are designed functionally by prioritizing a high-density layout to maximise space.

Similarly, Agra’s metro trains draw inspiration from Uttar Pradesh’s rich and ancient heritage. This blend of tradition and cutting-edge design has resulted in an attractive look for the city’s metro fleet, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Passenger comfort remains crucial to increasing metro ridership. Passengers, who may spend as much as four hours every day inside a metro train, expect to be as comfortable as possible, making trainsets’ aesthetics and design essential. The good news is that advancements in rail design have made cars more appealing and comfortable than ever before.

Designed for comfort and convenience

To aid passenger comfort, metro cars of today are packed with convenience as well as accessibility features. From ground-level access, ensuring ease of entry for diverse commuters, including the elderly and disabled, to well-lit interiors using energy-efficient LED lighting, meaningful alterations have been made over time. For example, Smart Lighting reinforces positive passenger experience by adding to comfort and safety. It automatically adjusts the interior lighting (intensity, colour, temperature) according to the level of natural light, weather, time of day, season, passenger density, etc.

In response to the proliferation of mobile devices and laptops, cars now have power / USB sockets. Moreover, in the post-pandemic world, where remote work is widespread and digital connectivity is expected, these modifications enable travellers to remain productive, connected, and entertained, while on the move.

However, while the features might be meaningful for urban commuting, the design of high-speed semi-regional trains is completely different.

With special focus on passenger experience, the modern interior design features optimised comfort and connectivity as well as easy access and innovative passenger information systems. These cars feature dynamic route maps that provide passengers with pertinent information about their journey and estimated arrival time.

They are equipped with intelligent indoor lighting which detects the train approaching and departing a station, making entering and exiting trains easier. The large windows offer a panoramic view making the interiors airier and more spacious. There are ergonomically designed areas that not only support differently-abled people but also help during medical emergencies.

Further, with an aim to optimise maintenance, carpeted flooring has been replaced with more durable materials, like rubber. These are easy to clean and repair, fire-resistant, slip-resistant, sound-absorbing, and recyclable, making it ideal for modern trains that operate long hours transporting thousands of passengers, their belongings, and perishables daily.

The use of sustainable materials in modular design reflects a shift toward environmental responsibility while maintaining passenger comfort. This change in carriage design aims to balance new technology, recyclability, durability, and the flexibility required to meet the evolving needs of modern rail travellers. Modern metro systems are eco-designed for higher sustainability, with a focus on high recyclability, recoverability rates of materials, and lightweight design to increase energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.

Emerging trends in urban mobility

Today, most of the 100 per cent ‘made-in India’ metro systems use advanced technologies that ensure continuous operations, improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and future-proof design. These trains are also supported by a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC)-based signalling system, to ensure safe and reliable service. It also helps achieve fully autonomous train operation which has become the mainstream design for new metro lines.

Public transport operators and authorities are looking to improve the travel experience and to create new sources of revenue. The high-resolution LCD/LED based digital infotainment screens in trains with options to have pre-recorded / live feeds offer a good option for non-box revenue.

Metro trains are also integrating advanced video analytics to detect unusual incidents, such as unattended objects, empty train detection (while returning to depot) and many other use cases to enhance security. For instance, advanced algorithms are used to identify unattended bags, articles, and other potential hazards, triggering alarms for operator and control centres.

In addition, enhanced cyber-security, intelligent troubleshooting and predictive maintenance features are being offered that reduce costs, avoid breakdowns, increase the efficiency of rail traffic and improve overall system performance.

The track ahead

Considering travelling by metro is the fastest, safest, and most affordable way for people to commute to work, it’s only natural that metro cars are designed around passenger comfort.

Robust air-conditioning, speed, safety, affordability, and comfort are behind the popularity of metro services in India, which are increasingly adopting driverless train operations, emergency evacuation systems, and noise reduction protocols.

As we look to the future, the integration of contemporary and regional design, and cutting-edge technology will continue to redefine the commuting experience while addressing the latest challenges and opportunities for society, the economy, and our climate.

(The author is Baskar Nagarajan, RSC Engineering Director, Alstom India. Views are personal.)