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12 Feb 2024·Source: The Indian Express
5 min
EconomyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Delhi Government Approves Metro Phase V(A) for Enhanced Connectivity

Delhi's metro expansion gets a boost with Phase V(A) approval.

Delhi Government Approves Metro Phase V(A) for Enhanced Connectivity

Photo by Omkar Ambre

The Delhi government has approved Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro project, which will add approximately 200 km to the existing network. The project aims to improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR. The completion target is within three years, but officials acknowledge the challenges involved in meeting this deadline. The expansion will benefit commuters and ease traffic congestion.

Key Facts

1.

Delhi government has approved Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro project.

2.

The project will add approximately 200 km to the existing metro network.

3.

The aim is to improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR.

4.

The completion target is within three years, but officials acknowledge the challenges involved.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure, Economic Development)

2.

Connects to urban planning, transportation policy, and environmental sustainability

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, current affairs

Visual Insights

Delhi Metro Phase V(A) Expansion

Map showing the expansion of the Delhi Metro network under Phase V(A), enhancing connectivity across Delhi-NCR.

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📍Delhi📍Haryana📍Uttar Pradesh
More Information

Background

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is responsible for planning and implementing metro projects in Delhi-NCR. The concept of urban rail transit in Delhi emerged in the 1960s, but it was only in the late 1990s that the first phase of the Delhi Metro began construction. This initial phase aimed to address the growing traffic congestion and pollution problems in the city. The DMRC was established to execute this ambitious project, drawing expertise from various international rail systems. Over the years, the Delhi Metro has expanded through multiple phases. Each phase has focused on extending the network to new areas and improving connectivity within the city and its surrounding regions. The expansion has involved complex engineering challenges, including underground tunneling and elevated viaduct construction. Funding for these projects has come from a mix of sources, including the central government, the Delhi government, and international loans. The urban planning of Delhi has been significantly influenced by the metro's development, with new residential and commercial areas emerging along the metro corridors. The legal framework governing the Delhi Metro includes the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, which provides the legal basis for the construction and operation of metro rail systems in India. This act outlines the powers and responsibilities of the metro rail administration, including land acquisition, construction standards, and safety regulations. The Delhi Metro also operates under various environmental regulations to minimize its impact on the city's environment. These regulations cover aspects such as noise pollution, air quality, and waste management. The environmental impact assessment is a crucial part of the planning process for each new phase of the metro. Other cities in India have also adopted metro rail systems, drawing lessons from the Delhi Metro's experience. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore have implemented their own metro projects to address urban transportation challenges. These projects often involve public-private partnerships to leverage private sector expertise and investment. The success of the Delhi Metro has served as a model for sustainable urban transportation in India, promoting the use of public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in urban transportation include a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Many cities are investing in electric buses and promoting cycling infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions. The integration of different modes of transport, such as buses, trains, and metro systems, is also gaining importance. This involves creating seamless ticketing systems and improving connectivity between different transport hubs. The Smart Cities Mission aims to integrate technology and infrastructure to improve the quality of life in urban areas. There are ongoing debates about the optimal funding models for metro projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are often used to finance these projects, but there are concerns about the risks and benefits of this approach. Some argue that PPPs can lead to higher costs and reduced public control over the metro system. Others believe that PPPs can bring in private sector expertise and efficiency. The NITI Aayog has been involved in formulating guidelines for PPP projects in the infrastructure sector. The financial viability of metro projects is a key consideration, as these projects require significant upfront investment and ongoing operational costs. The future outlook for urban transportation includes the adoption of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and hyperloop systems. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way people move around cities. However, there are also challenges associated with these technologies, including safety concerns and regulatory hurdles. The government is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve traffic management and optimize public transport routes. The goal is to create more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly urban transportation systems. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is playing a key role in shaping the future of urban transportation in India. One of the main challenges in expanding metro networks is land acquisition. Land acquisition can be a lengthy and complex process, often involving legal disputes and compensation issues. This can delay the implementation of metro projects and increase their costs. Another challenge is ensuring the safety and security of metro systems. This requires investing in advanced security technologies and training personnel to respond to potential threats. The Delhi Metro has implemented various security measures, including CCTV surveillance and baggage screening, to protect passengers and infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Delhi Metro Phase V(A) that are important for the Prelims exam?

For the Prelims exam, remember that the Delhi government has approved Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro, which will add approximately 200 km to the existing network. The project aims to improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR, with a completion target of three years.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the approximate length of the expansion (200 km) and the project's primary goal: improved connectivity.

2. What is the main goal of Delhi Metro Phase V(A) and why is it important for Delhi-NCR?

The main goal of Delhi Metro Phase V(A) is to improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR. This is important because it aims to ease traffic congestion, provide a more efficient mode of transportation for commuters, and support economic growth by facilitating easier movement of people and goods.

3. What are the potential challenges in completing Delhi Metro Phase V(A) within the targeted three-year timeframe?

While the completion target is within three years, officials acknowledge the challenges involved. These challenges could include land acquisition issues, logistical hurdles in densely populated areas, environmental clearances, and coordination between various government agencies. Unexpected events like pandemics or major accidents could also cause delays.

4. What are the recent developments in urban transportation that are related to the Delhi Metro Phase V(A) project?

Recent developments in urban transportation include a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, such as electric buses and cycling infrastructure. The integration of different modes of transport, like buses, trains, and metro systems, is also gaining importance. These developments align with the broader goal of creating efficient and environmentally responsible urban transportation networks, which the Delhi Metro expansion supports.

5. How does the Delhi Metro Phase V(A) contribute to infrastructure development and economic growth in Delhi-NCR?

Delhi Metro Phase V(A) contributes to infrastructure development by expanding the public transportation network, making it easier for people to travel across the region. This improved connectivity can lead to economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and services, connecting businesses, and providing access to employment opportunities.

6. What impact will the Delhi Metro Phase V(A) have on the daily lives of common citizens in Delhi-NCR?

The Delhi Metro Phase V(A) is expected to significantly improve the daily lives of common citizens by providing a more convenient, reliable, and affordable mode of transportation. It will reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve access to jobs, education, and other essential services. This can lead to a better quality of life for residents of Delhi-NCR.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC): 1. DMRC is solely responsible for planning and implementing metro projects across all major Indian cities. 2. DMRC draws expertise from various international rail systems for its projects. 3. DMRC is funded exclusively by the Delhi government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: DMRC is primarily responsible for Delhi-NCR, not all major Indian cities. Other cities have their own metro corporations. Statement 2 is CORRECT: DMRC does draw expertise from international rail systems. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: DMRC is funded by a mix of sources, including the central government, the Delhi government, and international loans.

2. The Delhi government recently approved Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro project. What is the primary aim of this expansion?

  • A.To reduce the existing metro network by 200 km
  • B.To improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR
  • C.To focus solely on improving airport connectivity
  • D.To replace the existing metro lines with high-speed rail
Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary aim of Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro project is to improve connectivity across Delhi-NCR. The expansion will add approximately 200 km to the existing network, benefiting commuters and easing traffic congestion.

3. Which of the following Acts provides the legal basis for the construction and operation of metro rail systems in India?

  • A.The Railways Act, 1989
  • B.The Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978
  • C.The Urban Development Act, 1992
  • D.The National Highways Act, 1956
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978 provides the legal basis for the construction and operation of metro rail systems in India. This act outlines the powers and responsibilities of the metro rail administration.

Source Articles

Delhi Metro Phase V(A) approved: Three corridors, 16-km route to connect Central Vista, India Gate, Airport T1

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

Delhi Metro MD Dr. Vikas Kumar on Phase V timelines, the '73-lakh' ridership debate, and DMRC’s global move into Africa

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

Delhi Metro expansion gets boost: Govt clears Rs 3,386 crore for three corridors | Delhi News - The Indian Express

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Delhi cabinet approves 16 km metro extension

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

SC greenlights work on Delhi Metro lines from Saket to Lajpat Nagar and Inderlok to Indraprastha | Delhi News - The Indian Express

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