Delhi: In a major push to expand urban transit in the national capital, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro’s Phase V (A) project. The three corridors, spanning a combined 16.076 km, will be developed at a total cost of ₹12,014.91 crore, funded jointly by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and international agencies.
Once completed, the expansion will push the Delhi Metro network beyond the 400-km mark, further strengthening connectivity across Central, South, West, and North Delhi, as well as providing better access to the domestic airport.
New Corridors Approved Under Phase V (A)
The three corridors approved by the Cabinet include:
- R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha: 9.913 km
- Aerocity to IGD Airport Terminal-1: 2.263 km
- Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj: 3.9 km
The Phase V (A) project will comprise 13 stations, of which 10 will be underground and three elevated. The majority of construction will be executed using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to minimise traffic disruption, with project completion expected within three years.
Key stations on the R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha section include R.K. Ashram Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, Kartavya Bhawan, India Gate, War Memorial High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam, and Indraprastha.
The Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj section will feature stations at Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar, and Kalindi Kunj, while the Aerocity extension will reach IGD Terminal-1.
Boost to Central Vista and Airport Connectivity
A key highlight of the Phase V (A) expansion is the Central Vista corridor, which will connect all Kartavya Bhawans, providing seamless Metro access to around 60,000 office-goers and 2 lakh daily visitors.
The Aerocity–IGD Airport Terminal-1 and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj corridors will extend the existing Aerocity–Tughlakabad route, significantly enhancing connectivity between South Delhi localities such as Saket, Chhatarpur, Kalindi Kunj, Tughlakabad, and the domestic airport.
Government Emphasises Metro Growth and Commuter Benefits
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, described the Cabinet’s approval as a major milestone in the expansion of Delhi Metro.
“Delhi Metro has positively transformed the lives of residents of Delhi and commuters traveling in and out of the city. With this expansion, a new chapter will be added to the Metro network. This project, worth approximately ₹12,015 crore, will enhance connectivity and commuter convenience,” he said.
Currently, Delhi Metro operates 12 colour-coded lines, serving an average of 65 lakh commuters daily, with peak-day ridership reaching 80 lakh passengers.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The new corridors, as extensions of the Magenta and Yellow Lines, are expected to reduce road congestion, lower fossil fuel consumption, and decrease vehicular pollution. Enhanced access to Central Delhi and the domestic airport is also expected to stimulate economic activity across the capital.
Progress on Phase IV
Construction of Delhi Metro Phase IV, which covers 111 km and 83 stations, is already underway. Around 80.43% of civil construction on three priority corridors has been completed, with phased commissioning expected by December 2026.
Delhi Metro currently operates a network of approximately 395 km with 289 stations across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), making it the largest Metro system in India and one of the largest globally. The system recorded a maximum of 81.87 lakh passenger journeys in a single day on August 8, 2025, underscoring its vital role as the lifeline of the national capital.
