Cabinet Clears ₹12,015 Cr Delhi Metro Phase 5A: 3 New Corridors to Connect Central Vista & Airport
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New Delhi: In a major boost to the National Capital’s public transport infrastructure, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave the green light to the Delhi Metro Phase 5A project. The approved expansion, estimated to cost ₹12,015 crore, will add approximately 16 kilometers to the existing network, featuring 13 new stations designed to decongest high-traffic zones and improve connectivity to key landmarks like the Central Vista and Indira Gandhi International Airport.
With this expansion, the total operational length of the Delhi Metro network is poised to cross the historic 400-km milestone, cementing its status as one of the world’s largest metro systems.
The Expansion Plan: 3 New Strategic Corridors
Briefing the media, officials stated that the Phase 5A project targets specific "missing links" in the current grid to enhance operational efficiency. The project is slated for completion within three years.
Of the 13 proposed stations, 10 will be underground and three will be elevated, minimizing land acquisition hurdles in densely populated areas. The approved corridors are:
Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.9 km):
- Significance: This is the longest stretch of the new phase. It will act as a vital connector for Central Delhi, directly linking the Central Vista redevelopment area.
- Impact: Thousands of office-goers and tourists visiting the new administrative hub will benefit from improved last-mile connectivity.
Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km):
- Significance: A crucial link for South Delhi, bridging the gap between the Violet Line (Kashmere Gate-Raja Nahar Singh) and the Magenta Line (Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden).
- Impact: It will significantly reduce travel time for commuters moving between Faridabad, Noida, and South Delhi.
Aerocity to Airport Terminal-1 (2.3 km):
- Significance: A dedicated connector enhancing access to the domestic terminal.
- Impact: Seamless transit for air travelers, integrating Terminal 1 more tightly with the Airport Express Line and the upcoming Golden Line.
"Improving Last-Mile Access": Government Stance
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) highlighted that these corridors are specifically aimed at "improving connectivity in high-traffic areas" and easing road congestion.
"The new corridors will strengthen last-mile access to key residential, commercial, and transit hubs, offering a greener, faster alternative to private transport," a government spokesperson noted.
Parallel Progress: Phase 4 Construction Heats Up
While Phase 5A secures approval, work on Delhi Metro Phase 4 is moving at full throttle. Earlier this month, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) formally commenced construction on the Saket G Block–Lajpat Nagar stretch.
Marked by a ground-breaking ceremony at Pushpa Bhawan, this 8-km elevated section is part of the Golden Line (Line-11). It will feature eight elevated stations:
- Lajpat Nagar
- Andrews Ganj
- Greater Kailash-1
- Chirag Delhi
- Pushpa Bhawan
- Saket District Centre
- Pushp Vihar
- Saket G Block
This corridor, crucial for South Delhi's internal connectivity, is scheduled for completion by 2029.
Analysis: A Network for the Future
The simultaneous push for Phase 4 and the newly approved Phase 5A signals a shift in DMRC’s strategy from "expansion" to "densification." By connecting existing lines (like the Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj link) and servicing new administrative hubs (Central Vista), the government is prioritizing network efficiency over mere length.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The approval of Phase 5A is a timely New Year gift for Delhiites battling perennial traffic snarls. The focus on underground stations suggests a mature approach to urban planning, preserving the city's aesthetics while modernizing its spine. However, with multiple construction fronts opening up—Phase 4 and Phase 5A simultaneously—the DMRC faces the twin challenge of adhering to aggressive 3-year timelines while managing construction-induced traffic chaos.