Delhi Metro Phase V (A) Targets 2028 Completion Amid Challenging Timeline
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar has announced that construction for Phase V (A) is set to commence shortly, likely in 2026, with an ambitious target to complete it within three years, around 2028. In an exclusive interview, Kumar emphasized that this timeline is challenging due to the time-consuming nature of tunneling operations. The DMRC has already initiated land acquisition processes by approaching the Land and Development Office to secure necessary properties.
Comprehensive Phase V Expansion Across Delhi-NCR
The entire Phase V project is planned to span approximately 200 kilometers across the Delhi-NCR region. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for most corridors have been submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Delhi government for approval. Kumar explained that this expansion will focus on connecting areas currently lacking Metro access and creating parallel routes to enhance network efficiency. While the DMRC is prepared to build all proposed corridors, final decisions rest with the sanctioning authorities.
Ridership Metrics Clarified Amid Surge to 73 Lakh Daily
Addressing past discrepancies in ridership data, Kumar clarified that daily passenger journeys have surged to around 73 lakh, exceeding the projected 66 lakh for 2025 by about 110%. This increase is attributed to a revised calculation method implemented in 2018-19, where passengers are counted multiple times if they interchange trains during a single journey. Previously, such interchanges were counted as a single rider, but the new metric better reflects actual Metro usage, especially as the network has expanded with more interchange points.
Operating Costs and Revenue Strategies Under Scrutiny
The DMRC faces rising operating costs, with the ratio increasing from 48.99% in 2011-12 to nearly 90% recently, driven by expenses in electricity, manpower, and asset maintenance. Kumar highlighted that Delhi Metro remains one of the few operationally profitable systems globally. To mitigate costs, the corporation is focusing on boosting non-fare revenue, which now accounts for approximately 30% of total income, surpassing the earlier target of 25%. Initiatives like transit-oriented development are expected to further enhance revenue streams in the coming years.
Global Ambitions and Challenges in International Markets
DMRC has established Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL) to pursue overseas projects, leveraging its extensive experience from managing Delhi's complex network. Kumar revealed active efforts to enter markets in Africa, though past attempts, such as in Denmark, faced setbacks due to local market preferences. Additionally, a consultancy project in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is ongoing but has been impacted by regional turmoil, with work continuing as part of a consortium.
Call for Unified Transport Authority in Delhi
Kumar advocated for the establishment of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority in Delhi, stressing that urban transport requires holistic planning. Such an authority would integrate experts from various modes of transport to ensure coordinated and efficient urban mobility solutions, addressing the complexities of the city's growing infrastructure needs.
