PM Modi to Inaugurate Key Delhi Metro Corridors and Launch New Expansion Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate two major corridors and lay the foundation stone for three additional corridors of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on March 8, as announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday. This significant event marks a pivotal step in the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro network, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 18,300 crore aimed at strengthening public transport infrastructure and easing daily commutes for residents of the capital city.
Inauguration of Pink and Magenta Line Extensions
The inauguration ceremony will take place at DDA Utsav Sthal, where PM Modi will officially open the Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur section of the Pink Line and the Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park section of the Magenta Line. The Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur corridor spans 12.3 kilometers and includes eight elevated stations, integrating seamlessly into the existing Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar Pink Line. With this addition, the Pink Line will extend to approximately 71.56 kilometers, establishing it as India's first fully operational 'Ring Metro' system.
Stations along this new corridor are Majlis Park, Burari, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar, and Maujpur-Babarpur. This corridor features notable engineering achievements, including a new bridge over the Yamuna River and a double-decker viaduct that supports both a metro line and a road flyover, enhancing urban mobility.
The second corridor, the Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park extension, measures 9.92 kilometers and is an elevated addition to the Botanical Garden-Krishna Park Extension Magenta Line, comprising seven stations. This extension will bring the total length of the Magenta Line to around 49 kilometers. Stations on this section include Deepali Chowk, Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura-Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Bhalswa, and Majlis Park. Notably, parts of this corridor reach heights of approximately 28.36 meters, making it one of the highest elevated sections in the Delhi Metro network.
Foundation Laying for New Corridors Under Phase-V (A)
In addition to the inaugurations, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for three new corridors as part of Phase-V (A) of the Delhi Metro expansion plan. These include the Central Vista corridor from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, the Golden Line extension from Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport Terminal-1, and another Golden Line extension from Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj.
The Central Vista corridor, spanning 9.913 kilometers, will be constructed entirely underground and feature stations such as Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, India Gate, War Memorial-High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam, and Indraprastha. This corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity to key government offices and cultural landmarks in central Delhi, facilitating easier access for commuters and tourists alike.
The Aerocity-Terminal 1 extension of the Golden Line will be a 2.263-kilometer underground stretch with one new station, enhancing airport connectivity. Meanwhile, the 3.9-kilometer Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj extension will be an elevated corridor with stations at Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar, and Kalindi Kunj. These projects are designed to boost regional connectivity, allowing commuters from neighboring cities like Faridabad and Ballabhgarh to reach the airport via the Violet Line through Tughlakabad, and providing improved access for passengers from Noida through Kalindi Kunj with onward connections to south Delhi and the airport.
Impact on Public Transport and Urban Environment
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that these expansion initiatives will play a crucial role in improving public transport efficiency, reducing vehicular traffic on roads, and contributing to efforts to curb pollution in the capital. By offering enhanced metro services, the projects aim to provide a reliable and eco-friendly alternative for daily commuters, thereby supporting sustainable urban development and improving the overall quality of life in Delhi and its surrounding regions.
