World's Newest Cities to Open Metro Networks

Cities across the globe are stepping into a new era of urban mobility. With traffic congestion, pollution, and population growth pressing city planners for long-term solutions, metro systems are rapidly becoming essential infrastructure. From Asia to the Americas, newly launched metro networks are changing how people move — and how cities breathe.

According to data from Geoglobal, 12 cities have recently joined the world’s metro map between 2022 and 2024, marking a transformative leap in public transportation access.

Agra Leads the Metro Wave into 2024

The most recent addition is Agra, India, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. The city’s metro, set to open in 2024, will bring modern rapid transit to one of India’s most visited and congested urban areas. Agra's metro aims to ease local commuting while enhancing the experience for millions of tourists each year.

2023: A Breakout Year for Metro Openings

The year 2023 saw a flurry of activity, with nine cities launching metro systems:

• Lagos (Nigeria)

• Karaj (Iran)

• Montreal (Canada)

• Quito (Ecuador)

• Navi Mumbai (India)

• Jakarta (Indonesia)

• Honolulu (USA)

• Pune (India)

• Singapore’s LRT extension (not listed here but part of regional momentum)

These cities span four continents, showing just how global the metro trend has become. Whether relieving road congestion, reducing emissions, or boosting urban connectivity, these projects share one core purpose: creating smarter, cleaner, and faster ways to move.

Southeast Asia’s Moment: Jakarta Steps Forward

One of the standout entries is Jakarta’s LRT Jabodebek, inaugurated in 2023. This long-awaited line connects key areas within the Greater Jakarta region, offering relief to millions of commuters. With a focus on sustainability and modern technology, the system supports Indonesia’s push for low-carbon transportation and is a milestone in ASEAN’s urban transit evolution.

Dhaka Opened the Track First in 2022

Dhaka, Bangladesh, holds the title as the earliest among the group, having opened its metro in 2022. The launch marked a historic achievement for the city, which has long struggled with traffic gridlock. The metro provides a new, efficient mode of transport for one of South Asia’s most densely populated urban centers.

A Global Push Toward Modern Transit

Metro networks are no longer exclusive to megacities. From South Asia to South America, these new systems demonstrate how even mid-sized cities are embracing metro technology to improve urban life. The common goals: reduce travel time, cut pollution, and drive more equitable mobility.

As cities look to the future, investing in clean, high-capacity public transportation is becoming a global standard — not just a luxury.