Delhi cabinet gives nod to Metro expansion

The Delhi cabinet on Monday gave in principle approval for phase III of the Metro project. This means that in five years, the Metro will cut across Delhi, running along the Ring Road.

As part of the new phase, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has proposed six corridors at a cost of Rs21468 crore, including taxes. The cabinet also asked the transport department to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for four corridors recommended by department, RITES and DIMTS for the same phase.

The Delhi cabinet, led by chief minister Sheila Dikshit, examined the Phase III proposal by DMRC and the new corridors proposed by transport department in detail. A presentation was made before the council about the DMRC proposal for six corridors and the department's objections, suggestions and changes based on a RITES report.

The six corridors proposed by DMRC for Phase III will add up to 69.57km of total length to Metro network, with 31.11 km of elevated section and 38.46 km of underground section. The deadline for completion is 2015.

After the extension, some key places such as Bhikaji Cama Place, Sarai Kale Khan and Nizamuddin Railway Station will be on the Metro map.

As per the transport department assessment, the Malviya Nagar-Kalindi Kunj corridor and Ashoka Park-Delhi Gate corridors are not recommended. RITES study notes the reason for rejection of Malviya Nagar to Kalindi Kunj corridor lies in the fact there is low passenger load on this corridor, and that it is a standalone corridor with poor integration with existing and proposed links.