Metro’s twin magic at Nehru Place

For the first time, a foot over bridge (FOB) will connect two stations of a Metro line. What is more peculiar is that while one station is elevated, the other one is going to be an underground station in the third phase of Delhi Metro’s expansion. Subhendu Ray reports.

For the first time, a foot over bridge (FOB) will connect two stations of a Metro line. What is more peculiar is that while one station is elevated, the other one is going to be an underground station in the third phase of Delhi Metro’s expansion.

HT Image

The FOB and the two station buildings, on two sides of Outer Ring Road, are part of the proposed interchange facility for the upcoming Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden (Noida) and the existing Central Secretariat-Badarpur lines at Nehru Place.

The unique attempt — to be named Kalkaji Interchange Metro Station — will benefit thousands of commuters with the facility directly connecting Noida, Faridabad and south Delhi to IGI Airport.

The new station building will have three entry/exit points. One would open near the Nehru Place bus terminal, integrating with the bus terminal and the other two would open in front of the Nehru Place complex.

According to a detailed project report (DPR) for Phase 3, Kalkaji station at present registers a footfall of about 10,000 commuters every day. Once it turns into an interchange hub, it would cater to 80,000 commuters per day, the DPR stated.

The Kalkaji interchange station would also boost tourism as Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Temple are at a walking distance from the station, an official said. "Such a plan was espoused due to lack of adequate land near the existing station. There is a cremation ground and fire station near it, so the new station is being built at a distance," said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Delhi Metro claimed the interchange facility would be in place by 2016 when its 120-km Phase 3 expansions would be complete and operational.

In this phase, the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line or the Violet Line will be extended to YMCA Chowk in Faridabad.

This extension, the interchange facility near Kalkaji Metro station and a similar facility at Hauz Khas station on Line 2 will also improve better linkage for the three NCR towns.