Delhi wants Metro spread before 2010

With the Commonwealth Games deadline inching closer(2010), the Delhi government is making all-out efforts to deal with the resultant traffic congestion.

It has sent a proposal to the empowered group of ministers (eGOM) through the union Urban Development ministry, to include a new Central Secretariat to Badarpur route under phase II of Delhi Metro.

If approved, the route could play a significant role in providing metro connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, and easing traffic congestion.

However another significant aspect is that the Delhi government has proposed the adoption of standard gauge (SG) format for this route, which would be a stand alone line.

With the matter currently with the eGOM, it would be interesting to see what decision the empowered group takes, considering the fact that both phase I and II routes are on broad gauge.

Also with the suggested completion time of 3.5 years for the line, DMRC would have a real challenge in its hand to do so before the commencement of the Games.

As per the Delhi government's proposal, the 20 km line would have 15 km of underground section, while the remaining would be an elevated section.

It has contended in its proposal that the line would not only provide the much required metro connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, but would also connect Dr Karni Singh shooting range.

Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is the main venue for the opening and closing ceremonies for Commonwealth Games.

The line would also provide connectivity to all residential and commercial areas falling under its jurisdiction. Also the proposal says that the line will also strengthen the country's bid for Asian Games scheduled for 2014.

Of the six routes approved by eGOM under phase II of Delhi Metro, there is a 12.5 km line between Central Secretariat and Qutab Minar. However if Delhi government's proposal is cleared, then if commuters heading for Badarpur from Central Secretariat, would have to take the proposed stand alone SG line.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has even prepared a detailed project report (DPR) on the line, which it has submitted to the Delhi government.

According to this DPR, the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line would have 15 stations, with the maintenance depot at Sarita Vihar. Its estimated cost would come to around Rs 4,012 crore (including taxes), while its ridership would be 3.60 lakh passengers per day in 2011, which could go up to 5.05 passengers per day in 2021.