As the Delhi government finalises the revised budget for the 2024-25 financial year, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has requested Rs 72 billion to fulfill key commitments, including the timely completion of new corridors under Phase-IV and pending payments for the Phase-III expansion. In a letter to the Chief Secretary, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar warned that delays in funding could result in project setbacks and cost overruns. The Phase-IV expansion includes the construction of three priority corridors: RK Ashram to Janakpuri (West), Aerocity to Tughlaqabad, and Mukundpur to Maujpur. These corridors, spanning nearly 62 km, are expected to be completed by 2026. Sanctions for two additional lines—Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha—were received earlier this year, while another corridor, Rithala to Nathupur, is still awaiting approval. Kumar emphasised that the Phase-IV project, estimated at Rs 249.48 billion, requires consistent funding to meet deadlines. He called for urgent intervention to ensure the release of necessary funds to avoid delays and prevent cost overruns. DMRC's finance director had also previously appealed for financial support to maintain uninterrupted construction of metro lines. Additionally, Kumar requested the immediate release of Rs 3.76 billion to the Public Works Department (PWD) for the construction of three unique double-decker viaducts along the Aerocity-Tughlaqabad corridor and others. These viaducts, with metro trains on the upper deck and vehicles below, are crucial for the Phase-IV expansion. DMRC has completed all corridors under Phase-III, spanning 160 km, but it still requires approximately Rs 7.25 billion to fulfill contractual obligations. The corporation also sought funds to cover the repayment of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan for earlier phases and to address the Delhi government’s share of foreign exchange variation. The DMRC has urged the Delhi government to approve the necessary funds in the revised budget estimates for FY 2024-25, enabling the timely release of payments to keep Phase-IV construction on track. (ET)