Delhi Metro fourth phase expansion: DMRC sets 2026 deadline for all three corridors, Janakpuri West extension expected by August

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials said the Phase 4 expansion project is progressing rapidly with a target of opening all three priority corridors comprising 65 kilometres of new lines by 2026. (PTI)

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Sunday (June 30) reported significant progress on its Phase 4 expansion project, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in regulatory approvals. According to DMRC officials, more than 50 per cent of the work has been completed on all three priority corridors, totaling 65 kilometers, which are slated for operationalisation by 2026.

The officials informed that the project, which began in December 2019, faced setbacks from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic and delays in obtaining necessary permissions for tree cutting. However, the past one-and-a-half to two years have seen steady progress, providing DMRC with a timeline of approximately four years to finalise the expansion.

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Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor nears completion

DMRC’s principal executive director of corporate communications Anuj Dayal highlighted specific achievements, noting that the Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor has seen about 80 per cent completion of civil work.

“At present, more than 50 per cent progress has already been achieved on all three corridors. On the Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor, about 80 per cent civil work has been completed,” Dayal said.

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Tunneling progresses on Golden and Magenta line 

Tunneling activities are actively underway on segments of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad (Golden Line) and the Janakpuri West-RK Ashram Marg (Magenta Line) corridors. “Tunneling work is in progress on various stretches of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad (Golden Line) and the Janakpuri West-RK Ashram Marg (Magenta Line) corridors,” he added.

Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension section to be ready by Aug

Despite ongoing challenges, DMRC anticipates the Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension section to be operational by August, with the entire Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor expected to open next year. Remaining sections of the priority corridors are scheduled to roll out in phases leading up to 2026.

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Highlights of DMRC’s phase 4 expansion

Dayal highlighted the continued pursuit of necessary permissions for tree cutting and land acquisition, crucial for advancing the project smoothly. The project’s progress is closely monitored daily, with high-level site visits and proactive steps to expedite work processes.

Recently approved corridors under Phase 4 include Inderlok-Indraprastha and Saket G Block-Lajpat Nagar, with ongoing efforts focused on securing clearances for land acquisition, forest clearance, and tree cutting. Planning and tendering processes for civil works are also advancing steadily, according to Dayal.

The DMRC remains committed to meeting its expansion targets while navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring minimal disruption to environmental concerns and local communities.