In five years, Metro to run along Ring Road

In five years, Metro will cut across Delhi, running along the Ring Road. Delhi cabinet finally gave clearance to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the proposed extension of Metro connectivity under third phase.

In five years, Metro will cut across Delhi, running along the Ring Road. Delhi cabinet finally gave clearance to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the proposed extension of Metro connectivity under third phase.

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With a deadline of 2015, Phase 3 includes extensions to existing lines — from Anand Vihar in east Delhi to Dhaula Kuan in southwest Delhi; from Noida to Malviya Nagar; Jahangirpuri to Badli; from west Delhi's Ashok Park to Delhi Gate in central Delhi, Central Secretariat to Red Fort, and Mukundpur to Rajouri Garden.

After the extension, some key places such as Bhikaji Cama Place, Sarai Kale Khan and Nizamuddin Railway Station will be on the Metro map.

"We have given in-principle approval to three routes proposed by the DMRC to be constructed under Phase 3. They have been asked to prepare a detailed project report for the routes," Delhi transport minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said.

It was learnt from sources that the DMRC had proposed construction of six routes covering 69.57 km. The Delhi cabinet, however, asked the DMRC to add more areas to the proposed routes and extend the route length to 108.35 km.

For funding of the third-phase projects, the DMRC had suggested two options to the Delhi government. First option was that the Japan International Cooperation Agency would provide a loan of up to 40%, while the Delhi government and the central government will contribute 25% each. The remaining 10% would be met from property development and interest-free subordinate debt for land to be contributed by the Centre and the Delhi equally.