The foundation stone for the new Delhi Metro Phase-4 corridor, which will connect Inderlok to Indraprastha, was laid on Thursday by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The ceremony took place at the Sarai Rohilla Metro station premises, marking the commencement of this significant infrastructure project. Once operational, the corridor is expected to simplify and accelerate travel between Central Delhi, Old Delhi, and West Delhi. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), this route is anticipated to directly benefit approximately 1.5 lakh passengers every day.
Expansion of the Magenta Line and Technical Construction
As per the DMRC, the new corridor will serve as an extension of the existing Magenta Line. It will span a total distance of 12.30 kilometers and will feature 10 new metro stations. A major portion of the project, totaling 11.35 kilometers, will be constructed underground, while approximately 1 kilometer will be built as an elevated section. Given that the route passes through densely populated urban areas, tunneling will be the most significant engineering challenge. To mitigate the impact on residents and existing traffic, advanced construction technologies and specialized machinery will be deployed throughout the building phase.
Direct Metro Access to Delhi Secretariat
One of the most notable features of this corridor is that it will provide the Delhi Secretariat with its first-ever direct metro connectivity. Currently, commuters traveling to the Secretariat must disembark at the ITO metro station and rely on intermediate transport like auto-rickshaws or cabs to finish their journey. With the completion of this new line, passengers will enjoy seamless rail access directly to the Secretariat, which will significantly improve travel convenience and save time for daily commuters.
Creation of Triple Interchange Stations
Upon completion, the Delhi Metro network will become even more robust, with Inderlok and New Delhi stations evolving into triple interchange hubs. Currently, the New Delhi station serves as an interchange for the Yellow Line and the Airport Express Line; with the addition of the new corridor, it will integrate the Magenta Line, effectively becoming a triple interchange point. A similar upgrade will be implemented at the Inderlok station, where passengers will gain the ability to switch between three different metro lines with ease.
Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Pollution
The introduction of this metro corridor is expected to significantly ease the burden of vehicles on the city's roads. It is anticipated that a large number of commuters will switch from private vehicles to the metro, leading to a reduction in traffic jams and overall air pollution. Furthermore, the corridor will offer improved, rapid public transport options for people residing in and around Old Delhi, Karol Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, and Inderlok, significantly enhancing the daily commute for thousands.
