Delhi Government Approves Rs 3,386 Crore for Three New Metro Corridors
The Delhi government has taken a major step to expand the city's metro network. On Sunday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the release of Rs 3,386.18 crore for three crucial corridors under Phase IV of the Delhi Metro Rail Transit System.
This funding represents Delhi's share for the remaining corridors of Phase IV. The government expects these new lines to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in the capital.
Details of the Three Corridors
The three corridors will cover nearly 47 kilometers across Delhi and neighboring Haryana. Officials estimate the total project cost at Rs 14,630.80 crore.
Golden Line Extension: This corridor will extend from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block in South Delhi. It will cover 8.385 kilometers entirely on elevated tracks with eight stations. The line will serve areas including Andrews Ganj, Greater Kailash-I, Chirag Delhi, Pushp Bhawan, and Saket District Centre.
Green Line Extension: This 12.377-kilometer corridor will connect Inderlok in Northwest Delhi to Indraprastha. It will feature ten stations, with one elevated and nine underground. The route will pass through central Delhi areas such as Dayabasti, Sarai Rohilla, Jhandewalan, Nabi Karim, New Delhi Railway Station, Delhi Gate, and the Delhi Secretariat-IG Stadium area.
Red Line Extension: This will be the longest of the three corridors at 26.463 kilometers. It will connect Rithala in Northwest Delhi to Kundli in Haryana. The line will have 21 stations and is expected to greatly improve connectivity to Rohini, Bawana, Narela, and other industrial and residential areas along Delhi's northern edge.
Project Timeline and Benefits
The government aims to complete all three corridors within four years. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that efficient metro operations will play a significant role in controlling pollution in the capital.
"The expansion of the Metro network will help in easing congestion and reducing pollution, making Delhi more modern," Gupta stated in an official release.
Currently, Delhi and its surrounding areas have a metro network spanning 395 kilometers with an average daily ridership of around 40 lakh. Phase IV is expanding the network by 110 kilometers, while Phases V-A and V-B will add another 96 kilometers. Upon completion of Phase IV, daily ridership is expected to double.
Financial Framework and Current Status
The government has established a combined financial framework for two of the corridors. The Inderlok-Indraprastha and Lajpat Nagar-Saket G-Block corridors have a combined project cost of Rs 8,399.81 crore. Delhi's share for these two corridors amounts to Rs 1,987.86 crore.
For the Rithala-Kundli corridor, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 6,230.99 crore. Delhi's share for this corridor is Rs 1,398.32 crore. Of the total cost for this corridor, Rs 5,685.22 crore will be spent in Delhi and Rs 545.77 crore in Haryana.
The tendering process for all three corridors is currently underway. Preliminary work has already begun on some stretches of the new lines.
Broader Context and Environmental Impact
This metro expansion comes as Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution. Last week, Chief Minister Gupta announced multiple steps to reduce air pollution over the next four years, with strengthening public transport being a key component.
Recent reports indicate that vehicular pollution remains one of the key contributors to PM2.5 levels in the capital. The Commission for Air Quality Management has recommended expanding Delhi's metro network to approximately 900 kilometers, similar to Beijing's system, to help address this issue.
The government believes that expanding the metro network will not only improve transportation but also contribute significantly to environmental goals. By providing efficient public transport alternatives, the expansion aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles and consequently lower pollution levels.
