Delhi Metro Expansion Approved: New 16-Km Line to Enhance Connectivity
Cabinet Approves Delhi Metro Phase 5A
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the central cabinet has granted approval for the expansion of the Delhi Metro project on Wednesday, December 24. The initiative, which carries a budget of ₹12,015 crores, aims to enhance connectivity in the national capital and its surrounding areas while alleviating traffic congestion. Phase 5A of the Delhi Metro will introduce 13 new stations along a 16-kilometer stretch, comprising 10 underground and three elevated stations. Upon completion, the total length of the Delhi Metro network will exceed 400 kilometers.
Details of the Expansion
Vaishnaw elaborated on the cabinet's decisions, confirming the approval of Phase 5A, which includes the construction of a new line at a cost of ₹12,015 crores. This expansion will connect Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj, Ramakrishna Ashram to Indraprastha, and Aerocity to Terminal 1. The project will significantly enhance the metro network, extending its reach to over 400 kilometers.
New Corridors Under Phase 5A
The Phase 5A project will establish three new corridors: from R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.913 km), Aerocity to IGI Airport Terminal 1 (2.263 km), and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km). The total length of this project is 16.076 km, which will further improve connectivity within the national capital. The R.K. Ashram Marg-Indraprastha segment will extend the Botanical Garden-R.K. Ashram Marg corridor, providing metro access to the Central Vista area, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Enhancing Airport Connectivity
The Aerocity-IGI Airport Terminal 1 and Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj segments will enhance airport connectivity from southern parts of the national capital, including Tughlakabad, Saket, and Kalindi Kunj. This expansion will feature 13 stations, with 10 being underground and three elevated. Vaishnaw informed reporters that the project is expected to take three years to complete. He added, "The construction timeline for Phase VA of the Delhi Metro Rail Project is three years, primarily utilizing tunnel boring machines for underground work to minimize traffic disruption."