Speaking at the India Today Indo-Japan Conclave, Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the Delhi Metro as one of the strongest and most visible symbols of cooperation between India and Japan, while urging both countries to deepen their partnership beyond traditional infrastructure projects and move toward building integrated, technology-driven and sustainable urban ecosystems.
Addressing the conclave, Sandhu described the Delhi Metro not merely as a public transport network but as a successful example of how India-Japan collaboration can create efficient, reliable and globally recognised urban infrastructure. According to him, the metro system represents much more than transportation, serving as a model of punctuality, operational efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.
Using the Delhi Metro as a reference point, the Lieutenant Governor outlined a broader vision for the next phase of Delhi’s development and urban transformation. He framed the challenge by asking how Delhi could evolve “from a metro city to a metropolis.” According to Sandhu, a true metropolis cannot be defined only by roads, buildings or physical infrastructure, but instead by the overall quality of life, innovation, sustainability and efficiency in urban functioning.
Sandhu emphasised that the strategic partnership between India and Japan has steadily evolved over several decades and has already contributed significantly to some of India’s most important development initiatives. He pointed to projects involving industrial corridors, transport infrastructure, energy systems and high-speed rail networks as examples of the growing depth of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
However, he argued that the next stage of collaboration should move beyond isolated infrastructure developments and focus instead on creating integrated urban ecosystems capable of supporting long-term sustainable growth. According to Sandhu, the objective should shift “from isolated projects to integrated development, from infrastructure creation to ecosystem building, and from growth to sustainable growth.”
Drawing inspiration from Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Sandhu stated that Delhi could learn from urban models where careful planning, technological innovation and discipline have produced cities that are both highly efficient and deeply livable.
The Lieutenant Governor identified four major sectors where India and Japan could significantly expand cooperation in the coming years. The first area involved smart mobility systems, particularly the seamless integration of metro services, buses and last-mile transport solutions in order to improve urban connectivity and reduce congestion.
The second focus area involved sustainable urban development through the adoption of cleaner energy technologies, green infrastructure and environmentally responsible planning methods aimed at reducing pollution and supporting long-term ecological balance.
Third, Sandhu highlighted water and environmental management as another critical sector for collaboration. He referred specifically to recycling systems, climate resilience strategies and modern environmental protection techniques that could help Delhi address future urban challenges more effectively.
The fourth area identified was disaster preparedness and resilient urban systems. Sandhu noted that Japan’s expertise in designing cities capable of handling earthquakes, climate emergencies and infrastructure disruptions could provide valuable lessons for Indian cities facing growing environmental and urban pressures.
He also pointed to Japan’s leadership in several emerging technologies and advanced sectors that could help shape Delhi’s future development. These included hydrogen energy systems, electric mobility, artificial intelligence-driven traffic management solutions and technology-enabled governance models aimed at improving efficiency in public administration.
Looking beyond existing projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Sandhu proposed a broader framework for India-Japan cooperation focused on innovation, economic ecosystems and long-term urban planning.
In that context, he specifically highlighted the development potential of Dwarka in southwest Delhi. According to Sandhu, the region could emerge as a major hub for Japanese investment, research institutions, innovation centres and regional corporate headquarters.
He envisioned Dwarka evolving into a centre for knowledge-based industries and global partnerships, helping position Delhi as a leading example of next-generation urban development built around technology, sustainability and international collaboration.
Concluding his remarks, Sandhu reiterated that the future of India-Japan cooperation should focus on integrated development and sustainable urban growth rather than simply constructing standalone infrastructure projects. According to him, Delhi has the opportunity to become a leading model for the next phase of strategic cooperation between India and Japan in areas ranging from urban planning and transportation to technology and environmental sustainability.
