Metro Expansion Update: Metro Network to Cover Entire NCR, Phase Five Survey Begins

Pune, 8th July 2024: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that metro services will extend across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as preparations for Phase Five begin. Currently, the NCR metro network spans 392 kilometers, expected to increase to around 500 kilometers after Phase Five. Phase Four projects are nearing completion despite delays, positioning the metro as the lifeline of NCR. DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar provided insights into the status of ongoing projects, construction obstacles, and plans in an interview with Ranvijay Singh.

The three corridors under Phase Four—Janakpuri West to RK Ashram, Majlis Park to Maujpur, and Tughlakabad to Aerocity—covering 65 kilometers, are about 50% complete and are expected to be finished by March 2026. Kumar confirmed that the 2.5-kilometer section from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension will start operating next month, and the 12.31-kilometer Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor will be operational next year.

Kumar highlighted that the completion of the Majlis Park-Maujpur line will create Delhi’s first ring corridor, with metro services running in both directions circularly. He added, “On sections with higher passenger demand, the metro will operate as a loop line to manage costs effectively.”

The construction of Phase Four corridors faced delays due to COVID-19, land, and tree-cutting approvals. Kumar explained, “The construction was impacted for two years by the pandemic, and some land and tree-cutting issues are still being resolved with the Delhi government. However, we are confident that the construction will be completed within the set timeframe.”

Compared to earlier phases, current land acquisition laws have made the process slower and more challenging. Kumar noted, “For sustainable metro development and revenue through property development, land is necessary, but acquiring land for non-fare revenue has become more difficult.”

Work is also underway for the newly approved Phase Four corridors, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block and Indraprastha to Inderlok. Discussions for a loan with Japan’s JICA are ongoing, and tenders will be issued once the loan is approved. Meanwhile, the Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor is awaiting final approval from the central government.

Regarding the planned metro corridor between Delhi Airport and Gurugram, Kumar stated, “Currently, there is no progress. Mainly, it’s an issue for Haryana, but this corridor is essential and will materialize eventually.”

On outsourcing metro operations to private agencies, Kumar explained, “Salaries for contracted staff are lower, reducing operational and maintenance costs. Automated metro trains are safer than those operated by drivers, as human error is less likely.”

Despite suggestions to increase frequency due to pollution concerns, Kumar emphasized that metro trains are expensive. “On corridors where metros are available every seven minutes during peak hours, passenger demand is being met,” he said.

For last-mile connectivity, the Delhi government is purchasing nine-meter buses. The DMRC has surveyed 152 routes and submitted the report to the transport department. Currently, 1163 e-autos are operating from various stations, and this number will increase.

Lastly, Kumar mentioned that while the focus is on Phase Four, preliminary preparations and surveys for Phase Five have begun to address the growing transportation needs of NCR. “Metro expansion will be necessary post-Phase Four to prevent escalating problems,” he concluded.