New Delhi, India: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has entered a pivotal phase in its ambitious Phase IV expansion plan with the initiation of land acquisition processes for two newly sanctioned corridors. These corridors, namely the Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha extensions, signify significant milestones in the enhancement of Delhi’s urban transit infrastructure.
Following the approval of these projects by the Union Cabinet in March, DMRC has swiftly moved forward to secure the necessary statutory clearances and land acquisitions to kickstart construction activities. A senior DMRC official shed light on the ongoing efforts, highlighting the complexities involved in obtaining clearances from various governmental bodies such as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and the Public Works Department (PWD), alongside navigating forest clearance requirements.
While land acquisition forms the bedrock of the project, concurrent planning and tendering for civil works are already in progress. These initial steps will pave the way for subsequent specialized contracts pertaining to essential technical components like track laying, electrical systems, and signalling.
The projected timeline for the completion of these corridors is set for 2028, aligning with DMRC’s strategic vision to fortify Delhi’s metro network. Let’s delve into the specifics of these two new corridors:
A notable aspect of these expansions is the increase in interchange stations, aiming to streamline travel and reduce commuting times for millions of commuters. Presently, the Delhi Metro network boasts 29 interchange stations, and with the completion of Phase IV, an additional 11 interchange stations will be added, significantly enhancing connectivity across the city.
In addition to the newly approved corridors, three priority corridors are already under construction as part of Phase IV, further bolstering DMRC’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage across Delhi and adjoining areas.
As DMRC forges ahead with the land acquisition process and subsequent construction phases, these projects promise to revolutionize Delhi’s transit landscape, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience for residents and commuters alike.
