NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has made a significant advancement in metro expansion plans by approving Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro project, which includes a critical corridor connecting to the Central Vista, after receiving the necessary clearance from the Centre.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the estimated cost of Phase V(A) is Rs 12,014.91 crore, which will bolster public transport infrastructure in the national capital, with the Delhi government contributing Rs 2,940.46 crore towards this cost.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by the Chief Minister, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the public transport system in Delhi. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his backing, noting that the project upholds his “7-C Vision” of a Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge mobility. Gupta emphasized that strengthening public transport is crucial for alleviating congestion and improving air quality.
The approved corridors include RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (via Central Vista), Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj, and Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Domestic Terminal-1. Out of the 13 proposed stations, 10 will be underground and three elevated.
One of the significant routes, the 9.91-km corridor from RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, will consist of nine stations, passing through the Central Vista area and connecting important administrative and cultural sites, including Kartavya Bhavan. This line is expected to benefit around 60,000 government employees and nearly 200,000 daily commuters.
Major stations along this route include RK Ashram Marg (under construction), Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, CCS Buildings, India Gate, War Memorial-High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam, and Indraprastha.
The estimated cost for this corridor is Rs 9,570.40 crore, with the Delhi government contributing Rs 2,337.24 crore.
The Aerocity-IGD Terminal-1 Corridor, extending 2.26 km from Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport Terminal-1, will consist of one station. The Chief Minister noted that this corridor will provide direct metro access to the airport, easing traffic in the surrounding areas.
The estimated project cost for this corridor is Rs 1,419.64 crore, with Rs 351.86 crore coming from the Delhi government.
The Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj Corridor, spanning 3.9 km, will feature three stations aimed at improving connectivity in the southern and southeastern parts of Delhi. The estimated cost for this stretch is Rs 1,024.87 crore, with a contribution of Rs 251.36 crore from the Delhi government.
