New Delhi, 12 April (H.S.):

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a comprehensive review of Delhi Metro and associated road and flyover projects. She affirmed that developing a modern, robust public transport system remains the government's top priority to alleviate traffic congestion, streamline travel, and curb pollution.

The recent meeting at Delhi Secretariat was attended by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director and senior officials. DMRC is also constructing several flyovers in Delhi, as detailed in a communiqué released Sunday.

The Chief Minister noted that obstacles impeding certain projects are being steadily resolved. The discussion emphasized enhanced coordination to refine Delhi's transport ecosystem and control pollution. Officials informed that the current Delhi Metro network spans 416 kilometers with 303 stations, 12 lines, and 32 interchange stations. An additional 104.45 km network with 81 stations is under construction. Phase-IV priority corridors have achieved 79.57% physical progress and 80.60% financial progress.

Post-meeting, the Chief Minister announced that key sections like Majlis Park-Maujpur, Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park, and Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension are now operational. Major corridors such as Krishna Park Extension-Deepali Chowk, Majlis Park-RK Ashram, and Tughlakabad-Aerocity target completion by December 2026. These encompass Krishna Park to Deepali Chowk (~6.6 km), Majlis Park to Derawal Nagar (3.5 km), Derawal Nagar to RK Ashram (7.4 km), Tughlakabad to Sangam Vihar (6.3 km), Sangam Vihar to Saket G Block (4.3 km), and Saket G Block to Aerocity (12.6 km), seamlessly interconnecting diverse parts of Delhi.

She revealed that work on Phase-IV's remaining three corridors—Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block (8.38 km), Inderlok-Indraprastha (12.37 km), and Rithala-Kundli (26.46 km)—has commenced, aiming for March 2029 completion. Phase-V(A) projects are also gaining momentum, including RK Ashram Marg-Indraprastha (9.91 km), Aerocity-IGI Airport Terminal-1 (2.26 km), and Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km).

Alongside metro expansions, critical integrated road and flyover initiatives are advancing. A 2.16 km double-decker flyover from Azadpur to Tripolia Chowk, costing ₹264.27 crore, stands at 73% completion, accommodating both metro and road traffic. The 1.40 km Yamuna Vihar-Bhajanpura flyover, budgeted at ₹291.17 crore, has reached 85% progress.

In South Delhi, MB Road hosts pivotal flyovers: a 2.48 km 6-lane structure from Saket G to Sangam Vihar, plus underpasses at Saket G and Ambedkar Nagar, at ₹694.98 crore with 40% completion. Design and alignment for the 2.53 km flyover from Maa Anandmayi Marg to Pul Prahladpur are underway, addressing challenges like ASI clearances, tree felling, and land acquisition, soon to be resolved.

Anticipating future needs, proposals include a 19.2 km elevated Yamuna riverside road from Wazirabad to DND in three phases: Surghat-ISBT, ISBT-Sarai Kale Khan, and Sarai Kale Khan-DND. A 2.62 km flyover from Tripolia Gate to Barfkhana is also in the pipeline.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asserted that augmenting Delhi Metro and its road network will fortify the capital's lifeline. This will expedite travel, ease commutes, and significantly reduce traffic snarls and emissions. She directed rigorous monitoring and adherence to timelines for all projects.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar