Cabinet approves Delhi Metro expansion

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The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a major expansion of the Delhi Metro Rail network, clearing projects worth ₹12,015 crore. With this decision, the capital’s rapid transit system is set to enter Phase-VA of development.

The newly approved corridors will be implemented under the Delhi Metro Railway Project Phase-VA, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and easing congestion in high-density urban pockets. Once completed, the expansion will take the total operational length of the Delhi Metro network beyond 400 kilometres, further strengthening its position as one of the largest metro systems in the world.

Officials said the expansion is expected to boost public transport usage, reduce vehicular pollution, and support sustainable urban mobility in the National Capital Region. Detailed project timelines and corridor alignments are likely to be announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in the coming weeks.

Of the 13 stations planned under Delhi Metro Phase-VA, 10 will be underground while three will be elevated, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB). With the commissioning of these new corridors, the total operational length of the Delhi Metro network will surpass 400 kilometres.

The approved phase includes three distinct corridors. The longest section will stretch from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, covering 9.9 km at an estimated cost of ₹9,570.4 crore. Another corridor will connect Aerocity with Airport Terminal-1, spanning 2.3 km with a projected expenditure of ₹1,419.6 crore. The third corridor will run between Tughlakabad and Kalindi Kunj, covering 3.9 km at a cost of ₹1,024.8 crore.