In a recent conversation with Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the ambitious Phase IV project of the Delhi Metro came into sharp focus. A vital development for the city, Phase IV promises to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and provide more sustainable transport solutions to millions of commuters. Dr. Kumar shed light on the complexities of the project, the cutting-edge technology being incorporated, and the steps DMRC is taking to ensure the successful and timely completion of this grand vision.
Phase IV of the Delhi Metro aims to seamlessly connect existing corridors and enhance the accessibility of key areas across the city. With tunneling breakthroughs and viaduct construction already making significant progress, Dr. Kumar shared that the Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension stretch is now ready for operations, while the rest of the stretches are advancing at a steady pace. The new corridors will not only cut down travel time but will also provide passengers with more travel options. "The goal is to interconnect already operational corridors and offer passengers greater convenience and alternatives," Dr. Kumar explained.
With the growing demand for public transport, Dr. Kumar expressed confidence in the project's potential to significantly increase ridership. The development is expected to bring more commuters onto the Metro network, resulting in improved travel efficiency and less congestion on city roads.
Though ambitious, Phase IV does not come without its challenges. The pandemic, land acquisition issues, and tree-cutting permissions have created hurdles that DMRC is still working to resolve. However, Dr. Kumar remained optimistic. "Our approach is to proactively engage with stakeholders, plan meticulously, and deploy advanced project management techniques to minimize risks," he explained. By utilizing strategic resource allocation and continuously monitoring progress, DMRC plans to navigate these challenges and deliver the project on time and within budget.
The ongoing work on Phase IV is being executed in phases. Dr. Kumar shared that the Janakpuri West to RK Ashram Marg corridor is operational, and the Maujpur to Majlis Park corridor will open next year in phases. The remaining stretches are scheduled for completion by 2026, with some of the corridors currently in the pre-tendering stage.
To keep the project within budget, DMRC is inviting competitive bids and closely monitoring costs. “We make sure to keep a close eye on expenses while finding smart ways to use resources effectively,” Dr. Kumar said. The strategy ensures that the project will be delivered without compromising on quality.
Incorporating advanced technology has always been a hallmark of Delhi Metro operations, and Phase IV is no exception. Dr. Kumar highlighted several cutting-edge innovations that will enhance safety, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience. Among these are:
Additionally, DMRC has integrated digital solutions, such as QR-based ticketing and contactless payments, which promise to elevate the commuter experience to new heights. The launch of "Chetna," an AI-powered virtual assistant, marks another significant step toward making travel more seamless for passengers.
Sustainability is at the heart of DMRC’s operations. Dr. Kumar emphasized the corporation’s commitment to green practices, citing DMRC’s global recognition for earning carbon credits through regenerative braking and its initiatives to reduce vehicular emissions through modal shifts.
"Regenerative braking saves up to 30% of energy, and we continue to implement energy-efficient solutions," he shared. In addition, DMRC is striving to meet 35% of its energy needs through renewable sources, including 50 MWp from rooftop solar panels and 100 MWp from the Rewa Solar Project. Phase IV will continue to focus on green buildings, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting, ensuring that sustainability remains a top priority.
As with any large-scale project, minimizing disruption to commuters during construction is a key concern. DMRC has laid out clear strategies for traffic management and scheduled construction to ensure that passengers face minimal inconvenience. Dr. Kumar mentioned that DMRC keeps passengers informed through media updates, social platforms, and its website. Regular community interaction programs help engage residents near construction sites, ensuring they are kept in the loop and have the opportunity to provide feedback.
"We are committed to maintaining a customer-first approach, addressing grievances promptly, and making the commuting experience as smooth as possible during this transitional period," Dr. Kumar affirmed.
The Phase IV project is primarily funded through loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), alongside government contributions and DMRC's internal accruals. Dr. Kumar acknowledged the critical role that government support plays in driving such large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in terms of accessibility and social equity for the citizens of Delhi.
While Phase IV is the immediate focus, DMRC is already considering future expansions. Preliminary studies are underway to identify new corridors, with an emphasis on improving connectivity to the outskirts of Delhi and boosting accessibility to the broader National Capital Region (NCR).
Dr. Kumar also highlighted DMRC's expanding role as a consultant in metro projects both within India and abroad. The corporation is providing valuable expertise in cities such as Patna, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai, as well as in Dhaka, Bangladesh. “Our role goes beyond implementation,” he said. “We are sharing our knowledge, best practices, and engineering expertise to support metro projects in other cities, helping to create efficient and sustainable transport systems globally.”
DMRC has prioritized improving the passenger experience through digital platforms, offering real-time updates and services via mobile apps like Momentum 2.0 and Delhi Sarthi. These apps provide features such as route planning, ticket integration, and real-time train tracking. The corporation has also implemented contactless ticketing options, including WhatsApp QR ticketing and UPI payments, making commuting even more convenient.
With its customer-centric approach, innovative use of technology, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, DMRC is not just building a metro network—it’s laying the groundwork for a smarter, greener, and more connected Delhi. As Phase IV nears completion, the vision for a better-connected, future-ready city is becoming a reality.