The proposed Rithala-Narela corridor of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) may possibly be extended up to Kundli in Haryana to provide additional connectivity to the neighbouring state.
It has been initially proposed to run four-coach trains on this corridor.
If approved, this will be Delhi Metro’s fourth expansion into Haryana after Yellow Line (Gurgaon), Violet Line (Faridabad) and Green Line (Bahadurgarh). This corridor is part of the phase IV extension, but it is being planned as an extension of the presently operational Shaheed Sthal-Rithala Red Line corridor.
“This may be Delhi Metro’s first-ever corridor to connect Haryana and Uttar Pradesh via Delhi. Initially, smaller stations with platform lengths accommodating four-coach trains were proposed to meet the initial traffic demand with a provision of future expansion to accommodate eight-coach trains,” said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director, corporate communications, DMRC. Delhi Metro had earlier planned to run Metrolite on this corridor, but the plan was later change to run conventional metro.
After approval, the entire corridor will be 27.3 kilometres with 22 stations.
While 26.4 kilometres will be elevated, about 0.9 kilometres will be at grade. Of the 22 stations, 21 will be elevated and one will be at grade.
Such an extension of Red Line will also connect this region with the already operational Red Line, which goes all the way up to Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh covering important locations in central and east Delhi.
“Delhi Development Authority has launched its housing schemes with more than 3,500 flats located in Narela. This enhanced connectivity to these areas will immensely help the residents of these new residential colonies. In the past also, DMRC’s expansion to Dwarka had boosted the connectivity to the sub-city,” said Dayal.
The revision of the route alignment, including station planning for all the stations, has been done.
The topographical survey, traffic survey, environment impact assessment study for the extended portion from Narela to Kundli (5 km) are in progress.