Delhi Metro Expansion to Add 65km to Its Reach

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is actively advancing its expansion projects with the construction of 65km along three priority corridors, signifying a significant leap in the capital's metro connectivity. These corridors include extensions of the Pink and Magenta lines, as well as the introduction of an entirely new corridor - the Silver Line. The expansive network will feature 45 metro stations.

The 12.3km corridor from Majlis Park to Maujpur (Pink Line) is on track for completion by March 2025. Meanwhile, the construction of the Janakpuri West to RK Ashram (Magenta Line) and Aerocity to Tughlakabad (Silver Line) sections is expected to conclude by March 2026.

Efforts are underway to open a 2km underground section from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension in July this year. This segment represents a pivotal connection on the Janakpuri West-RK Ashram corridor.

DMRC officials report that more than 45% of the civil work is already completed across all three corridors, showcasing steady progress despite initial pandemic-related constraints. The Magenta Line extension from Janakpuri West to RK Ashram Marg has reached 49% completion, while the Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor has seen over 50% progress. Additionally, the Aerocity-Tughlakabad section is 40% complete.

The ambitious Phase IV expansion includes a total of 11 new interchange stations, contributing to a network that spans 65km, with 28km underground and the remaining elevated. Notably, Azadpur metro station is set to become the second 'triple interchange facility' in the network.

In a bid to promote sustainability, DMRC plans to install 10MW solar plants at the upcoming stations, expected to generate about one crore units of solar energy annually. Moreover, the 45 stations will feature platform screen doors (PSDs), with 34 elevated stations equipped with half-height PSDs and 18 underground stations featuring full-height PSDs. The stations are designed with the National Common Mobility Card-compliant AFC system, and DMRC officials anticipate driverless operations in the upcoming stations.

Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director, Corporate Communication, DMRC, emphasized the stations' focus on optimization, eco-friendly design, and passenger-friendly amenities, including lifts, escalators, and platform screen doors. The expansion aligns with Delhi Metro's commitment to enhancing connectivity and sustainable transport options for the capital's residents.

TOI