In a highly anticipated move, the upcoming interim budget presentation on February 1 is poised to reveal Delhi Metro's groundbreaking corridor project, connecting Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Estimated at Rs 7,500 crore, the project extends from Rithala in Delhi to Kundli in Haryana, marking the sixth and final corridor of the Delhi Metro's ambitious Phase IV.

The detailed project report (DPR) has reached its final stages of approval, according to sources. This development comes as part of the broader Phase IV initiative, which includes corridors such as Janakpuri West to R.K Ashram, Tughlakabad to Delhi Aerocity, and Majlis Park to Maujpur?all currently under implementation. Additionally, the Inderlok - Indraprastha and Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block corridors are also part of this extensive expansion plan.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, work on Delhi Metro Phase IV commenced in December 2019. DMRC Chief Vikas Kumar anticipates the first section of the Phase IV corridor to open by July 2024. Notably, a 2.5-3 km segment of the Janakpuri West-R K Ashram Marg corridor is expected to be commissioned, with the Majlis Park-Maujpur corridor scheduled for full operation by March 2025.

Celebrating a significant milestone, the Delhi Metro recently completed 21 years since its inauguration in 2002 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. From a modest 8.4-kilometer stretch with six stations, the network has burgeoned to 288 stations covering an expansive 393 km. Last year, the system recorded a historic 7 million passenger journeys on September 4, showcasing the enduring success of Delhi's indispensable mass transit system.

As Delhi Metro continues to evolve, the upcoming corridor announcement reaffirms its commitment to enhancing connectivity and convenience for millions across the National Capital Region.