New Delhi Metro Corridors: Centre Sanctions ₹11,150 Crore to Enhance Connectivity.

The Central government has underscored its commitment to enhancing urban mobility in the National Capital Region by prioritizing the construction of three new metro rail corridors in Delhi. These crucial links, estimated to cost approximately ₹11,150 crore and collectively spanning just over 16 kilometers, are set to significantly expand the city's metro network.

The proposed corridors – R K Ashram to Indraprastha, Aerocity to Terminal-1, and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj – recently underwent evaluation by the National Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti framework, an initiative aimed at integrated planning of infrastructure projects. The plans are now poised for swift Cabinet approval.

Key Details of the New Corridors:

The R K Ashram to Indraprastha line is the longest of the three, designed as an underground route featuring nine stations. These stations will include strategically important locations such as Indraprastha, Bharat Mandapam, Baroda House, India Gate (adjacent to C-Hexagon), the newly built Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings along Kartavya Path, Central Secretariat, Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (near Rakabganj Gurdwara), Shivaji Stadium, and R K Ashram Marg.

"This will create a complete loop, seamlessly connecting the Green Line (Indralok-Indraprastha link) with the Blue Line and the Janakpuri West-R K Ashram Marg corridor," stated an official source, highlighting the potential to significantly reduce congestion at the bustling Rajiv Chowk station. The proposed station at India Gate is expected to provide visitors with convenient and safe public transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles, a key benefit for the iconic landmark currently accessible mainly via the Central Secretariat metro station, requiring a walk or auto-rickshaw ride.

Furthermore, this corridor will offer faster connectivity to the ten large central government office buildings planned along Kartavya Path, with two dedicated stations at the CCS buildings and Central Secretariat ensuring efficient commutes for government employees. Earlier plans for an automated people mover system (APMS) to connect CCS buildings were abandoned in favor of the more comprehensive metro extension.

The Aerocity to Terminal-1 extension, spanning 2.3 kilometers, will be entirely underground and feature a single station at Terminal-1. This direct airport link will greatly benefit residents from areas like Tughlakabad, Khanpur, Saket, Mehrauli, and Vasant Kunj, enhancing airport accessibility and regional transit, especially for commuters from Faridabad via the Tughlakabad interchange.

Details regarding the Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj corridor were not explicitly detailed in the provided information but are part of the overall expansion plan.

The approval of these new metro lines underscores the Centre's commitment to enhancing public transport infrastructure in Delhi, aiming to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and support the city's growing urban landscape.