The 8.10 kilometre long Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus - lajpat Nagar Metro was thrown open to the public on Monday. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister flagged off the metro train on the Pink line section for the passengers. “Metro serves a very useful purpose because it takes the pressure off private means of transport and brings more people to an efficient, green mode of public transport,” Puri said while inaugurating the extension of Pink line corridor.
Further when asked about the fare hike, Puri said, “let me tell you, this time I am convinced that the steps we have taken and the improved financial condition of the Delhi Metro as well as good ridership, I don't think we need to increase the fares”.
The metro fare was hiked twice last year in May and October, following recommendations of the 4th Fare Fixation Committee which comprises representatives from the Centre and the Delhi Government.
Puri also added that Centre and Delhi Government will work in a co-operation to address the issues in the up-coming Phase -IV of Delhi Metro. Phase-IV has been hanging in balance since the Centre and Delhi Government have differed on certain key aspects.
This section will also be known as 'Shopping Corridor', as it will be a big boost for the shoppers of the city as it will cover four major markets; Sarojini Nagar, INA, South Extension and lajpat Nagar. lajpat Nagar and INA has become an important interchange station of this corridor connecting Yellow line to Samaypur Badli - Huda City Centre and Violet line to Escorts Mujesar - Kashmer Gate.
Applauding the DMRC for opening of the extension of Pink line, Kejriwal said, “It is a day of happiness for the people of Delhi as a section of the Pink line from Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus to lajpat Nagar is being started. This section will connect the city's prominent markets by Metro. The problem of parking in these markets will also be solved.”
The inauguration of the new section also witnessed the presence of the Anant Kumar Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs and Kenji Hiramatsu, Japan Ambassador to India. “The Motibagh Metro station had been named after Sir Vishveshwaraiah, one of India's greatest engineers and educationists. Naming of the station after Sir Vishveshwaraiah was a great gift for the people of Karnataka,' added Anant Kumar.
“Now, it will be very easy to reach the shopping hubs for me as I stay in North Delhi so I can directly come to the market without any interchange. Earlier, I use to interchange thrice to reach Sarojini Nagar Market but metro has made traveling easy for all,” said Heena, a daily passenger.
Another passenger who boarded the train from Motibagh said, “This section is very useful for the students. Now I can save time and reach class on time directly from home to lajpat Nagar,” said a student of lady Shri Ram College.
With the opening of this section, the Delhi Metro network has now become 296 Kilometres long with 214 Metro stations becoming the longest line. As per the officials the entire pink section is expected to open by September. Moreover, all the newly opened six station is beautified with art and painting and messages on “Greenery” and “conservation of Environment”.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) that rates the best green building has awarded 'Platinum' (highest grade) for the new Pink line corridor.