Delhi Metro Phase-IV Gets Green Signal: MoU Signed for Key Corridors

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal approves MoU for Phase-IV metro project, ensuring faster construction of Janakpuri West-RK Ashram Marg, Majlis Park-Maujpur, and Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridors.

In a significant development for the expansion of Delhi's metro network, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Delhi government, the Centre, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the first three corridors being constructed under Phase-IV of the metro project.

Priority Corridors and Project Details

The DMRC is currently undertaking construction work on a 65.2-kilometer stretch of three priority corridors, encompassing 45 stations, as part of Phase-IV. These corridors include:

• Janakpuri West-RK Ashram Marg (28.92 km): An extension of the Magenta Line.
• Majlis Park-Maujpur (12.55 km): An extension of the Pink Line.
• Aerocity-Tughlakabad (23.62 km): A new Golden Line connecting the Violet Line and the Airport Line.

The signing of the MoU is expected to expedite the construction of these three corridors by removing obstacles and ensuring smooth progress.

Pending Corridors and Expansion Plans

In addition to the three approved corridors, the Delhi government is actively pursuing approval from the central government for the remaining three Phase-IV corridors:

• Rithala-Bawana-Narela
• Inderlok-Indraprastha
• Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block

These corridors will span approximately 47 kilometers and include 39 stations, further enhancing the metro network's reach.

Key Provisions of the MoU

The MoU outlines several key provisions to facilitate the successful implementation of the Phase-IV project:

• The Delhi government and the DMRC will collaborate to introduce a common mobility card for integrated ticketing and seamless travel across all modes of transport in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Multi-modal integration will be promoted, including the involvement of suburban railways through the Ministry of Railways, to create a well-connected transportation network in the region.
• The Delhi government will expedite the transfer of project land, free from encumbrances, to the DMRC to ensure timely land acquisition and possession.
• A high-powered committee (HPC) headed by the chief secretary will be established to address and resolve all city government-level issues related to implementation, including land acquisition, utility diversion, and rehabilitation of project-affected persons.
• A traffic information management control center will be set up for effective traffic monitoring, enforcement, and data collection for future planning.

The MoU will remain in effect until the project's debt is fully repaid, with the possibility of further extension by mutual consent between the Delhi government and the Government of India.

The signing of the MoU for the first three corridors of Delhi Metro Phase-IV marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the city's metro network. With the government's commitment to removing obstacles and pursuing approval for the remaining corridors, Delhiites can look forward to enhanced connectivity and improved transportation options in the near future.