Cabinet Approves 3 New Corridors of Delhi Metro Worth 12,015 Crore

​The skyline of the national capital is about to witness another major transformation. In a significant move to boost urban mobility, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved three new corridors for the Delhi Metro. This massive project, valued at approximately 12,015 crore, is being hailed as a "new chapter" in the city's transport history. For millions of daily commuters, this means shorter travel times, fewer traffic jams, and a much smoother ride across some of the city's most iconic locations.

​Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Delhi Metro is more than just a transport system; it is a lifeline that enhances the "Ease of Living" for every citizen. With this latest expansion, the total network of the Delhi Metro is set to cross the historic 400-kilometer mark, solidifying its place as one of the largest and most efficient metro systems in the world.

​The Three New Corridors at a Glance

​The approved expansion falls under Phase V(A) and covers a total distance of roughly 16 kilometers. While 16 kilometers might sound small compared to the existing network, these specific stretches are designed to plug critical gaps in the current map. The three corridors are:

• ​R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha: Spanning 9.9 kilometers, this is the longest of the three and will feature 9 stations.

• ​Aerocity to IGI Airport Terminal 1: A 2.3-kilometer link that will revolutionize how people reach the domestic airport.

• ​Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj: A 3.9-kilometer stretch that will bridge the gap between South Delhi and the outskirts.

​The project will include a mix of 10 underground and 3 elevated stations. The goal is simple: to make sure that no matter where you are in Delhi, a metro station is never too far away.

​Connectivity to the Heart of India

​The most talked-about part of this plan is the R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha corridor. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has even suggested calling it the "Kartavya Bhawan Corridor." This line is specifically designed to serve the Central Vista area, which is the administrative heart of the country.

​As the government moves its offices to the new Kartavya Bhawans, thousands of employees and nearly two lakh daily visitors will need a reliable way to reach their destinations without adding to the surface traffic. The new stations will include high-footfall areas like India Gate, Bharat Mandapam, the National War Memorial, and the High Court. By providing "doorstep connectivity" to these heritage and administrative sites, the government hopes to significantly reduce the number of private cars on the road in Central Delhi.

​Easier Travel to the Domestic Airport

​For anyone who has tried to catch a flight from Terminal 1 during peak hours, the Aerocity to IGI Airport T-1 link is a dream come true. Currently, reaching the domestic terminal can be a struggle depending on where you are coming from.

​This new extension will connect Terminal 1 directly with Aerocity, which is already a major hub. It creates a seamless loop that links the airport with the rest of the city center. Whether you are a business traveler or a tourist, this 2.3-kilometer stretch will save precious minutes and eliminate the stress of navigating airport traffic.

​Bridging South Delhi and the Suburbs

​The third corridor, from Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj, is a boon for the residents of South Delhi and those traveling from Noida or Faridabad. This 3.9-kilometer extension will have stations at Sarita Vihar Depot and Madanpur Khadar before reaching Kalindi Kunj.

​This link is crucial because it acts as a bridge. Commuters from the satellite cities of Noida and Faridabad will find it much easier to reach hubs like Gurugram and Saket. By connecting these southern suburbs directly to the Domestic Airport via the larger network, the metro is effectively shrinking the distances between the residential and commercial centers of the National Capital Region.

​A Massive Win for the Environment

​One of the most compelling arguments for this 12,015 crore investment is its impact on the environment. Delhi has long struggled with air pollution, and the transport sector is a major contributor to the smog.

​The government estimates that these three new corridors will help save roughly 33,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. By encouraging nearly 6.5 million daily passengers to stay off the roads and use electric-powered trains, the city can breathe a little easier. Fewer cars mean less fossil fuel consumption, less noise pollution, and a cooler, greener city for the future.

​Funding and Timelines

​A project of this scale requires a robust financial plan. The cost of 12,015 crore will be shared between the Central Government and the Delhi Government, with each contributing about 1,759 crore. The remaining amount will be raised through loans from international funding agencies, which will be repaid by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

​As for the timeline, the government has set an ambitious target of three years for completion. Given the DMRC's track record of meeting deadlines, there is high optimism that these lines will be operational by late 2028 or early 2029. This coincides with the ongoing work on Phase IV, which is already 80% complete and expected to finish in stages by 2026.

​Beyond 400 Kilometers

​When the first metro train rolled out 23 years ago, few could have imagined it would grow into a 400-kilometer giant. This expansion is not just about adding tracks; it is about building a smarter city.

​The integration of these new lines will create "triple interchange" hubs, where three different lines meet at a single station. This makes the network incredibly flexible, allowing commuters to switch directions without ever leaving the station. It is this kind of thoughtful engineering that has made the Delhi Metro a global model for urban transport.

​The Human Impact of the Metro

​At its core, this approval is about the people of Delhi. It is about the office-goer who can now reach Kartavya Bhawan in 20 minutes instead of an hour. It is about the family visiting India Gate who doesn't have to worry about finding parking. It is about the student in South Delhi who can reach their college in North Delhi with just one switch.

​Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a "Viksit Bharat" or a developed India relies heavily on modern infrastructure. By investing in the metro, the government is investing in the productivity and well-being of its citizens. The 12,015 crore price tag is an investment in time—the most valuable resource any citizen has.

​A Future-Ready Capital

​As Delhi grows, its needs change. The shift from a road-centric city to a rail-centric city is the only way to manage a population of over 30 million. These three new corridors are a testament to that vision. They represent a future where the domestic airport is just a few stops away, where heritage sites are accessible to all, and where the air is cleaner because we chose a better way to move.

​The approval of these corridors on the 23rd anniversary of the Delhi Metro is a fitting tribute to a system that has never stopped growing. As the tunnel boring machines begin their work under the streets of Delhi, the city waits with anticipation for the next phase of its journey.