Cabinet Clears ₹12,015-Cr Delhi Metro Phase 5A With Enhanced Airport Link
The Union Cabinet approved Delhi Metro's Phase 5A expansion project, costing ₹12,014.91 crore. The project will add three new corridors spanning 16.076 km and 13 stations, enhancing connectivity across Delhi. Key features include improved airport access, Central Vista connectivity, and links to government offices. The project, jointly funded by the central and Delhi governments along with international agencies, is set to complete by December 2026.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Delhi Metro's Phase 5A expansion project on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the national capital's transportation infrastructure. The project carries a total cost of ₹12,014.91 crore and will add three new corridors spanning 16.076 km to boost connectivity across Delhi.
Project Details and Funding
The Phase 5A expansion will be funded jointly by the Government of India, the Delhi government, and international funding agencies. The construction timeline has been set at three years, with the project expected to add 13 stations to the existing network and reach completion by December 2026.
| Project Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹12,014.91 crore |
| Total Length | 16.076 km |
| Number of Stations | 13 (10 underground, 3 elevated) |
| Construction Timeline | 3 years |
| Funding Sources | Government of India, Delhi government, international agencies |
Three Strategic Corridors
The approved expansion encompasses three strategic corridors designed to enhance connectivity across different parts of Delhi. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the expansion will take the Delhi Metro network beyond the 400-km mark, enhancing connectivity across central, south and aviation-linked parts of the city.
| Corridor | Length | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha | 9.913 km | - | Links West, North, and Old Delhi to Central Delhi |
| Aerocity to IGD Airport Terminal-1 | 2.30 km | ₹1,419.60 crore | Strengthens domestic airport connectivity |
| Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj | 3.90 km | - | Improves South Delhi access via Saket, Chhatarpur |
Enhanced Airport Connectivity
A key highlight of the Phase 5A project is the Aerocity–Terminal 1 corridor, which received specific Cabinet approval at an estimated cost of ₹1,419.60 crore. Once completed, this 2.30-km section is expected to improve access for travellers heading to the domestic terminal and ease congestion on road links into the airport complex.
The government emphasized that construction will be carried out using tunnel boring machines and the earth pressure balance method to minimize surface disruption and traffic inconvenience during the three-year construction period.
Central Vista and Kartavya Bhawan Connectivity
Another major highlight of the expansion is the Central Vista corridor, which will provide direct metro connectivity to the Central Vista area. The R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha corridor will link all Kartavya Bhawans, offering doorstep access to government offices.
This strategic addition is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 employees and nearly 2.00 lakh visitors daily. The corridor will also bypass Connaught Place, helping reduce congestion in one of Delhi's busiest commercial zones while significantly decreasing pollution levels and fossil fuel usage.
Current Operations and Phase IV Progress
| Current Network Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Lines | 12 lines covering 395.00 km |
| Total Stations | 289 stations |
| Average Daily Ridership | 65.00 lakh passenger journeys |
| Peak Daily Ridership | 81.87 lakh |
| Phase IV Progress | 80.43% civil construction complete |
| Phase IV Completion | Expected by December 2026 |
Meanwhile, construction of Delhi Metro Phase IV, spanning 111.00 km across 83 stations, continues with about 80.43% of civil construction completed on the three priority corridors. These corridors are expected to be commissioned in stages by December 2026, setting the stage for the subsequent Phase 5A implementation.
According to the official release, the proposed corridors are expected to decongest roads, cut vehicular pollution and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby improving the overall ease of living in the national capital.
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