Delhi Metro's Magenta Line Set to Transform City Connectivity with Major Expansion
In a significant development for urban transportation, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that the Magenta Line will become the longest metro corridor in the capital, spanning approximately 89 kilometers upon completion of its Phase-V (A) extensions. This ambitious project, running from Botanical Garden to Inderlok via Central Vista, is poised to surpass the current record-holder, the Pink Line, and revolutionize cross-city travel.
Unprecedented Scale and Modern Features
The expanded Magenta Line will feature a total of 65 stations, with 40 of them located underground, making it a critical infrastructure addition to Delhi's metro network. Anuj Dayal, principal executive director of corporate communications at DMRC, emphasized that this extensive corridor is designed to reduce travel time, decongest major routes, and provide seamless, end-to-end connectivity across the National Capital Region.
Once fully operational, the line will function entirely as a driverless corridor, offering modern, automated metro services that enhance efficiency and safety. This automation aligns with global trends in smart urban mobility, positioning Delhi Metro as a leader in technological adoption.
Enhanced Connectivity Through Interchange Stations
A standout feature of the Magenta Line is its unprecedented number of interchange stations, set to reach 21—the highest in the Delhi Metro system. This includes four existing interchange stations—Kalkaji Mandir, Botanical Garden, Janakpuri West, and Hauz Khas—and 17 new ones added through expansions, such as Kalindi Kunj, Terminal-1 IGI Airport, and Central Secretariat.
Notably, Central Secretariat, Azadpur, New Delhi, and Inderlok will become triple interchange stations, significantly boosting connectivity options for commuters and facilitating easier transfers across different metro lines. In comparison, the Pink and Blue lines currently have 12 interchange stations each, which will increase to 15 and 14, respectively, after new corridor additions.
Phased Implementation and Timeline
The expansion follows the approval of Phase-V (A)'s corridor from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha via Central Vista on January 31. Instead of earlier plans for the Green Line, the Indraprastha-Inderlok corridor of Phase-IV will now be implemented as an extension of the Magenta Line, streamlining the network's layout.
The opening timeline is structured in phases: the Krishna Park Extension-RK Ashram Marg stretch is expected to open in the next financial year, while the RK Ashram-Indraprastha section is likely to be operational by 2028. The remaining corridor from Indraprastha to Inderlok will open progressively, ensuring minimal disruption to existing services.
Engineering Landmarks and Operational Benefits
Dayal highlighted that the Magenta Line hosts two significant engineering landmarks. Haiderpur Badli Mor is the highest elevated metro station, with a rail level height of approximately 28.4 meters at pier number 340, while Hauz Khas is the deepest underground station, reaching around 29 meters. These feats underscore the technical prowess involved in the project.
With its extensive interchange facilities, the Magenta Line is projected to alleviate congestion on major corridors, offering commuters a more efficient and integrated travel experience. This expansion not only enhances daily mobility but also supports Delhi's growth as a megacity with sustainable transport solutions.
