Delhi Metro begins Trial Runs on 5 km section of Pink Line Extension

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): As the clock ticked down to the close of 2024, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) quietly began trial runs on a crucial stretch of the 12.098 km Pink Line Extension, connecting Majlis Park to Maujpur. This marks a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of Delhi's metro network, as DMRC tests a 5 km section between Majlis Park and Jagatpur Village.

The trial runs took place on the Majlis Park – Jagatpur Village section, which features three new elevated stations: Burari, Jharoda Majra, and Jagatpur Village. A 6-coach Hyundai Rotem train was used for the tests, running at a slow speed of 5 km/h. Starting from the siding line at Majlis Park Station, the train traveled eastward and then reversed its course.

The primary objective of these trial runs was to assess the Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) clearances and ensure there were no physical obstructions along the route. DMRC’s careful evaluation guarantees that the trains can safely interact with the civil structures, including elevated stations and other infrastructure.

Challenges and Timeline

This latest trial comes five years after the Longjian – KEC JV was awarded the Rs. 1,080 crore contract for Package DC-02 in November 2019. The consortium quickly erected the first pier cap just 11 months after the award, but progress has faced delays, compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scope of the contract includes the construction of the 12.098 km viaduct, a bridge over the Yamuna River, a PWD double-decker flyover, and the 8 stations on the Pink Line Extension: Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Khajuri Khas, Sonia Vihar, Wazirabad Surghat, Jagatpur Village, Jharoda Majra, and Burari.

Progress on Phase 4

This development is part of the broader Delhi Metro Phase 4 project, which spans 112.32 km and promises to enhance the city’s connectivity. The Pink Line Extension is the second section of the Phase 4 project to achieve this milestone. The first was the Magenta Line’s 2.03 km extension from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park, which will open for commercial operations on January 5, 2025.

While the ballastless tracks for the Pink Line Extension were installed by Paras Railtech, the signaling system, provided by Alstom Transport, is not yet fully operational. This includes the fixed signals, wayside signaling systems, and Automatic Train Protection (ATP).

When Will This Section Open?

Although DMRC has not yet officially announced the timeline for the operational launch of the Majlis Park – Maujpur section, it is expected to open for public use in the second half of 2025. Questions remain about whether the entire 12 km extension will open at once or if it will be phased in over time.

This section’s testing and eventual launch will mark a major step in the expansion of the Pink Line, improving connectivity between Majlis Park and Maujpur, while paving the way for smoother travel across the capital.

As testing continues, Delhi’s metro network is on track to further revolutionize urban mobility, offering residents a faster, more reliable alternative to road-based transport. Stay tuned for more updates as DMRC prepares to roll out this important extension.