Delhi Metro Set for Major Expansion with New Phase-VA Approval
Big news for commuters in the capital! The Union Cabinet has officially greenlit the Delhi Metro Rail Project Phase-VA. This crucial approval paves the way for a significant extension of Delhi's already vast metro network, pushing its total operational length beyond the 400-kilometer mark. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of this exciting development.
Key Highlights of the New Phase-VA Metro Project
This latest expansion involves building 13 new stations, with 10 planned underground and three elevated. The total length of the new metro lines will be approximately 16 kilometers. The entire project is expected to be finished within three years, promising faster connectivity for many residents.
- Number of New Stations: 13 (10 underground, 3 elevated)
- Total New Track Length: 16 kilometers
- Estimated Completion Time: 3 years
- Project Cost: Rs 12,015 crore
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the metro's positive impact, stating, "We all know how the Delhi Metro has positively transformed the lives of residents of Delhi and everyone who travels in and out of the city. With this expansion, a new chapter will be added to the Delhi Metro." He confirmed that a budget of Rs 12,015 crore has been sanctioned for this vital infrastructure project.
New Corridors and Their Impact
The approved Phase-VA includes three key corridors designed to improve access across various parts of the city:
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha Corridor
- Length: 9.9 km
- Cost: Rs 9,570.4 crore
- This corridor will significantly boost connectivity in Central Delhi.
- Aerocity to Airport Terminal-1 Corridor
- Length: 2.3 km
- Cost: Rs 1,419.6 crore
- A much-needed link for domestic air travelers, connecting Aerocity directly to Terminal-1.
- Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj Corridor
- Length: 3.9 km
- Cost: Rs 1,024.8 crore
- Enhancing transport options in the southern parts of Delhi.
Boosting Connectivity and Reducing Pollution
Officials confirm that these Phase-V (A) extensions, which are part of the Magenta Line and the Golden Line, will greatly improve travel within Central Delhi and to the Domestic Airport area. This latest Delhi Metro update is expected to:
- Ease road congestion, making commutes smoother.
- Help reduce vehicular pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Improve access to key government offices and transport hubs.
- Support economic growth and activity within the national capital.
New Stations to Look Forward To
Several new stations are planned as part of this expansion:
Ramakrishna Ashram Marg–Indraprastha Section:
- R.K. Ashram Marg
- Shivaji Stadium
- Central Secretariat
- Kartavya Bhawan
- India Gate
- War Memorial–High Court
- Baroda House
- Bharat Mandapam
- Indraprastha
Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj Section:
- Sarita Vihar Depot
- Madanpur Khadar
- Kalindi Kunj
Additionally, the existing Aerocity station will be extended to provide direct access to Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport Terminal-1.
Current Progress and Future of Delhi Metro
While Phase-VA is just beginning, work on Delhi Metro Phase-IV is already well underway. This includes 111 kilometers of track and 83 stations. Currently, about 80.43% of the civil construction for the three priority corridors under Phase-IV has been completed. These Phase-IV corridors are set to open in stages by December 2026.
The Delhi Metro continues to be a lifeline for millions, handling an average of 65 lakh (6.5 million) passenger journeys daily. A record 81.87 lakh passenger journeys were recorded on August 8, 2025. Operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the network currently boasts 12 metro lines, approximately 395 kilometers of track, and 289 stations across Delhi and the National Capital Region. It stands as India's largest metro system and ranks among the biggest worldwide, constantly evolving to meet the city's growing needs.
