The Delhi Metro network is set to see significant expansion as the Public Investment Board (PIB) of the Ministry of Finance has approved two line extension projects worth Rs 1,090 crore. This will enable the extension of the metro line from YMCA Chowk to Ballabhgarh in Faridabad
and Najafgarh to Dhansa Border in Delhi.
The metro line from YMCA to Ballabhgarh is expected to be completed early next year while work on the Najafgarh to Dhansa Border metro line is yet to start. The Centre could not make the decision public due to the Model Code of Conduct that was in force in Delhi.
Top sources said that after PIB approval, the proposals would be brought before the Union Cabinet for approval. The extension project from YMCA to Ballabhgarh, Violet line, which would cost
Rs 580 crore, is set to be completed by 2018.
The foundation stone of the metro extension project from Badarpur to YMCA Chowk was laid by then Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on June 22, 2015 with the aim of improving connectivity between Faridabad and Delhi.
This line will have two stations, one at Ballabhgarh itself and another at National Council for Cement and Building Material colony. The total length of the YMCA Chowk- Ballabhgarh line is 3.2 kms. Of the Rs 580 crore required for the project, the Centre would provide Rs 95 crore. The Haryana Government has already allocated its share of the funds for the project. After completion of this stretch, the Violet line will extend from Kashmere Gate to Ballabhgarh as the Kashmere Gate stretch is expected to be functional by May-end.
The second project approved by PIB for the extension of the metro line from Najafgarh to Dhansa Border, that would be underground, would cost Rs 510 crore and its total length would be 1.2 kms.
The Government will take an Rs 300 crore loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the Centre and the Delhi Government will contribute 35.65 per cent of the project cost while the rest of the funding will be provided by JICA.
This corridor will provide easy access to the commuters residing in Najafgarh, Mitraon, Jharoda Kalan, Kair, Dichaon Kalan, Dindarpur Extn, Baba Haridas Nagar, Chhawla, Roshanpura, Shyam Vihar, Dharmpura, Sai Baba Enclave, Nangli Sakravati, Arjun Park, Roshan Garden, Shiva Enclave, Todarmal Colony, Prem Nagar, New Hira Park, Ajay Park, Nathu Ram Park, Gemini Park, Shiva Enclave and Raghubir Nagar etc.
According to sources, the PIB is not happy with the slow progress of Delhi Metro projects in the third phase.