Delhi Metro expansion: Cabinet approves Rs 12,015 crore project

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Phase 5A of the Delhi Metro Rail Project, sanctioning a total investment of Rs 12,015 crore, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The expansion is expected to add 16 kilometres to the capital’s metro network and include 13 new stations, of which 10 will be underground and three elevated.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet decision, Vaishnaw highlighted the benefits of the expansion for commuters. “The Delhi Metro has significantly improved the lives of residents and those travelling in and out of the city. With this expansion, a new chapter will be added to the Metro network, providing further convenience and connectivity,” he said.

The project, planned over a construction timeline of three years, will be executed largely underground using tunnel boring machines to minimise disruption to traffic and daily life in the city. Upon completion, the Delhi Metro network is expected to cross 400 kilometres in total length, further strengthening urban mobility in the National Capital Region.

 

 

Phase 5A is part of the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro, which currently operates across 12 colour-coded lines and serves approximately 65 lakh commuters daily. The newly approved corridor aims to support the increasing demand for rapid urban transit and improve accessibility to underserved areas.

Officials indicated that the project would also enhance the overall efficiency and coverage of the metro system, reinforcing Delhi’s status as a leading city in mass rapid transit infrastructure in India. The Cabinet’s approval marks a significant milestone in the city’s continued efforts to expand sustainable and efficient public transport.