Cabinet Approves Delhi Metro Phase-V(A); Over 260,000 Commuters to Benefit

In a major boost to urban transport, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Delhi Metro’s Phase-V(A) project, adding 16.076 km of new lines and 13 stations to the network. This expansion is expected to directly benefit over 2.6 lakh daily commuters.

Project Details
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹12,014.91 crore, to be funded by the Central Government, Delhi Government, and international funding agencies. The Phase-V(A) expansion includes three new corridors:

1. R.K. Ashram Marg – Indraprastha: 9.913 km
2. Aerocity – IGI Airport Terminal-1: 2.263 km
3. Tughlakabad – Kalindi Kunj: 3.9 km

Key Benefits

• The R.K. Ashram – Indraprastha corridor will extend the Botanical Garden–R.K. Ashram line, providing direct connectivity to the Central Vista and access to government offices, benefiting nearly 60,000 employees and approximately 2 lakh commuters daily.
• The Aerocity – IGI Terminal-1 and Tughlakabad – Kalindi Kunj corridors will improve access from South Delhi areas like Tughlakabad, Saket, and Kalindi Kunj to the domestic airport, reducing travel time.
• The expansion includes 10 underground and 3 elevated stations, enhancing connectivity across West, North, and Old Delhi to Central Delhi.

Impact on Roads, Fuel, and Pollution
The new corridors are expected to reduce road congestion, lower fuel consumption, and contribute to a decline in pollution levels.

Current Metro Network and Future Prospects
Currently, Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro is under construction, covering 111 km and 83 stations, with about 80.43% civil work completed. Phase-IV is expected to be fully operational by December 2026.

The Delhi Metro network now spans 395 km with 289 stations, making it India’s largest metro system and one of the world’s leading urban rail networks. The metro currently serves an average of 6.5 million passengers daily, with a record of 8.187 million commuters on 8 August 2025.

Highlights of Phase-V(A) Cabinet Approval:

• Approval for 3 new corridors, totaling 16.076 km.
• Direct metro connectivity to Central Vista and government offices.
• Improved access from South Delhi to IGI Airport Terminal-1.
• Daily benefit to over 260,000 commuters.
• Expected reduction in road traffic, fuel use, and pollution.