Delhi Cabinet Greenlights Major Metro Expansion with Phase-V (A) Project
The Delhi cabinet has given its official approval for the ambitious Metro Phase-V (A) project, marking a significant step forward in the city's public transportation infrastructure. This approval clears the way for the construction of three new metro corridors that will collectively span 16 kilometres across the capital.
Project Timeline and Financial Framework
Scheduled for completion by the year 2028, this expansion will introduce 13 brand new stations to Delhi's extensive metro network. The station distribution includes 10 underground stations and three elevated stations, strategically placed to maximize accessibility. The total estimated cost of the project stands at just over Rs 12,000 crore, with the Delhi government committing a substantial contribution of Rs 2,940 crore towards this transformative initiative.
Strategic Vision and Environmental Impact
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the project's importance, stating that it represents "a decisive investment in Delhi's future." She further elaborated that "strengthening public transport is essential to building a cleaner, more efficient and globally competitive capital." Government officials have outlined that the primary objectives of this expansion are to enhance connectivity across key urban areas, alleviate persistent traffic congestion, and significantly reduce vehicular pollution levels.
The newly planned corridors have been meticulously designed to ensure seamless interchanges with existing operational metro lines. This strategic planning will allow passengers to travel across the city with fewer transfers and considerably reduced travel times, improving overall commuter experience and efficiency.
Detailed Breakdown of the Three New Corridors
Corridor 1: R K Ashram Marg to Indraprastha via Central Vista
This will be the largest corridor under Phase-V (A), stretching 9.9 kilometres. It will feature nine stations that connect major administrative and institutional hubs in central Delhi. Key locations along this route include:
- Shivaji Stadium
- Central Secretariat
- CCS Buildings
- India Gate
- War Memorial
- Delhi High Court
- Baroda House
- Bharat Mandapam
- Indraprastha
Approximately 2 lakh commuters are expected to benefit from this corridor, including around 60,000 government employees. The estimated cost for this segment is Rs 9,570 crore, with the Delhi government contributing Rs 2,337 crore. Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that "this corridor will reduce dependence on petrol and diesel vehicles and significantly improve air quality in the heart of the capital."
Corridor 2: Aerocity to Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1
Though this corridor will be just over 2.2 kilometres long with only one station, its strategic importance cannot be overstated. It will provide direct metro access to the domestic terminal of the airport, which is expected to reduce congestion around the airport area by decreasing reliance on taxis and private vehicles. The estimated cost for this corridor is Rs 1,420 crore, with Delhi government funding of Rs 352 crore.
Corridor 3: Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj
This 3.9-kilometre corridor will feature three stations and is designed to strengthen connectivity in south and southeast Delhi. The estimated cost for this segment is around Rs 1,025 crore, with the Delhi government contributing over Rs 251 crore.
Alignment with National Mobility Vision
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta framed this expansion as a step towards Prime Minister Modi's "7-C Vision" of mobility, which emphasizes connected, congestion-free, clean, and citizen-focused transportation systems. "Our goal is to create a transport system that is connected, congestion-free, clean and citizen-focused," she stated, aligning the project with broader national infrastructure objectives.
With the implementation of Phase V(A), the Delhi Metro network is poised to reinforce its role as the backbone of the capital's urban mobility system. This expansion represents a dual advancement toward both environmental sustainability and infrastructure development goals, positioning Delhi for a more efficient and eco-friendly future.
