The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Delhi Metro’s Phase 5A expansion project at a total cost of Rs 120.14 billion, paving the way for three new corridors spanning over 16 km and adding 13 stations to the capital’s rapid transit network.Announcing the decision, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, said the expansion will take the Delhi Metro network beyond the 400-km mark, further strengthening urban mobility in the national capital. The project is expected to be completed within three years.As per the official release, the project cost will be shared by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi and international funding agencies. The approved Phase 5A includes three corridors: R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.913 km), Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport Terminal 1 (2.263 km), and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km). Of the 13 stations planned, 10 will be underground and three elevated.A major highlight of the expansion is enhanced connectivity to the Central Vista area. The R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha corridor will provide direct metro access to all Kartavya Bhawans, benefiting an estimated 60,000 government employees and nearly two lakh daily visitors. The corridor is also expected to decongest Connaught Place by diverting commuter traffic.The Aerocity–IGD Terminal 1 and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj stretches will strengthen links between South Delhi and the domestic airport, improving access via areas such as Saket, Chhatarpur and Kalindi Kunj. The R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha line will further improve connectivity between West, North, Old and Central Delhi.Construction will use tunnel boring machines and earth removal methods to minimise traffic disruption. The new corridors are expected to ease road congestion, reduce pollution and cut fossil fuel dependence.Meanwhile, work on Delhi Metro Phase IV, covering 111 km and 83 stations, is progressing, with over 80% civil construction completed on priority corridors. Delhi Metro currently operates nearly 395 km across 12 lines, carrying about 65 lakh passengers daily.News source: CNBC TV18