New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved three new metro corridors under Phase-V(A) of the Delhi Metro project, marking a major expansion of the capital’s rapid transit network. The decision, taken under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to significantly enhance connectivity across key parts of Delhi, including Central Delhi, South Delhi and the airport region.
The approved corridors include R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha (9.913 km), Aerocity–IGD Airport Terminal-1 (2.263 km) and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km), covering a total length of 16.076 kilometres. The overall project cost has been pegged at Rs 12,014.91 crore, to be funded jointly by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi and international funding agencies.
According to the Cabinet decision, the new corridors will significantly strengthen last-mile and intercity connectivity while easing traffic congestion and reducing vehicular pollution. The Central Vista stretch, in particular, is expected to benefit around 60,000 office-goers and nearly two lakh daily visitors, providing seamless access to key government complexes.
The R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha corridor will extend the existing Botanical Garden–R.K. Ashram Marg line, improving connectivity between Central Delhi, Old Delhi and North Delhi. The Aerocity–IGD Airport Terminal-1 and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj sections will extend the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, improving access to South Delhi and enhancing connectivity to the domestic airport.
Of the total stations planned under these corridors, 13 stations will be constructed—10 underground and three elevated. Stations on the R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha stretch will include R.K. Ashram Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, Kartavya Bhawan, India Gate, War Memorial–High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam and Indraprastha. The Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj section will include Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar and Kalindi Kunj, while the Aerocity corridor will extend to Terminal-1 of the IGI Airport.
The government said the expansion would significantly reduce road congestion, cut vehicular emissions and improve travel efficiency across the capital. The new lines will integrate seamlessly with the existing Delhi Metro network, enhancing last-mile connectivity and supporting sustainable urban mobility.
At present, Delhi Metro operates a network of about 395 kilometres with 289 stations, carrying an average of 65 lakh passengers daily, with a record high of 81.87 lakh daily passengers recorded in August 2025. The Phase-IV project, comprising 111 km and 83 stations, is already under construction, with around 80 per cent of civil works completed. The remaining corridors are expected to be commissioned in phases by December 2026.
With the approval of Phase-V(A), the government aims to further consolidate Delhi Metro’s position as one of the largest and most efficient urban rail networks in the world, reinforcing its role as the backbone of sustainable urban mobility in the national capital.
