Govt boosts metro expansion to tackle pollution

The Delhi Government, in an effort to combat air pollution in the Capital, is focusing on strengthening the public transport system and has allocated 60 per cent additional funds in the current budget for the endeavor, with special focus on expansion of the Delhi Metro.

Making this assertion on Sunday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta informed that an allocation of Rs 9,110 crore has been made in the 2025–26 Budget, compared to Rs 5,702 crore in 2024–25, an increase of nearly 60 per cent.

This enhanced allocation reflects the Government’s strong commitment to the Delhi Metro, often regarded as the lifeline of the Capital. While the previous Government had allocated around Rs 500 crore for Metro projects last year, the current Government has earmarked Rs 2,929 crore for Metro expansion in 2025–26. She said effective control of pollution in the national Capital and the NCR requires a robust public transport system with seamless last-mile connectivity.

She stated that the Transport Department has been allocated 60 per cent additional funds in the current budget to strengthen public transportation.

Adequate provisions have also been made for the expansion of the Delhi Metro to ensure that ongoing projects proceed without hindrance.

The Chief Minister added that the Delhi Government is also clearing pending liabilities related to Metro projects that were left unpaid by previous Governments. The Chief Minister noted that neglect of public transport expansion by previous Governments had contributed significantly to the current pollution challenges faced by Delhi-NCR.

According to the Chief Minister, data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and other Government and research-based institutions indicate that vehicular emissions are a major contributor to environmental degradation and pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Strengthening public transport, therefore, is essential to reduce dependence on private vehicles and to address the pollution crisis effectively. She said in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Net Zero Emission’ and modern, sustainable transport, the Delhi Government has made substantial budgetary provisions for public transport, particularly for the expansion of the Delhi Metro (DMRC).

Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government’s Cabinet has approved three major corridors under MRTS Phase-IV- Lajpat Nagar to Saket, Inderlok to Indraprastha, and Rithala to Kundli (Haryana), paving the way for enhanced connectivity within Delhi and improved travel options for commuters across Delhi-NCR.

For this project, the Delhi Government is bearing a financial responsibility of Rs 3,386.18 crore. An amount of Rs 940 crore has already been released in the current financial year, while the next instalment of Rs 336 crore is in process. Additionally, pending liabilities of nearly Rs 2,700 crore related to Phases I, II and III are also being cleared.

Emphasising the need for a shift from private vehicles to public transport, the Chief Minister said lasting solutions to pollution are possible only when citizens are provided with a reliable, extensive and convenient public transport network.

She added that active representation of the Delhi Government on the DMRC Board is ensuring better coordination, timely funding and faster implementation of projects. Reiterating the Government’s long-term vision, she said the Delhi Government is working in mission mode to realise the Prime Minister Modi’s dream of a ‘Zero Emission’ transport system. 

Efficient utilisation of funds received under the Central Government’s Special Assistance Scheme is being ensured to complete Phase-IV of the Metro expansion within the stipulated timelines. Rekha Gupta concluded by stating that the Government’s priority is not merely the construction of roads, but the development of an eco-friendly, sustainable transport system that can ensure cleaner air and a healthier future for the coming generations.