NEW DELHI: While the pandemic put a spanner in the expansion of the Delhi Metro network, according to Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the centre-state joint venture is confident of completing the three priority corridors under Phase IV within the deadline.
“The expansion is going on right now, three priority corridors of Phase IV which are under construction. We hope that even despite of Covid, the dates which we had, in fact, we were mandated to do, we will try to do it by that date,” said Kumar on the sidelines of ET Infra Rail Show, wherein he was present to deliver a Keynote address.
According to DMRC, though work on Phase IV started in December 2019, immediately after the finalization of tenders, progress of work was significantly impacted from 2020 to 2022 for almost three years due to the Covid pandemic and delays in getting tree-cutting permissions.
“Despite the adverse situation of Covid and delay in various permissions, the Phase 4 section from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension is now almost complete and is likely to be opened by August 2024. The Majlis Park – Maujpur corridor is also likely to be opened during the next year. The rest of the sections of the priority corridors are expected to be opened in a phased manner by 2026,” DMRC said in a statement on Sunday.
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Kumar outlined that while the pandemic had impacted the metro network adversely, DMRC is now making operational profit.
“After this pandemic, we have now risen up. We were in operational losses, I would say. But again, as the tradition was there, right from the day one, we have been making operational profit. So now we are making an operational surplus.” said Kumar.
Apart from the expansion of the network, Kumar outlined that the transport body is now focused on providing a seamless user experience for the passengers.
“As a result, what we have done is we have put a lot of effort into integrating the ticketings and digitizing it, like the advent of QR code, NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) card and other mobile apps through which the tickets can be purchased,” said Kumar.
DMRC is currently working with the Delhi government for developing a proper route planner which covers all aspects of public transportation, including last-mile connectivity.
