DMRC floated tender for privatisation of operations on Delhi Metro Line 1 and 5

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has re-ignited the process of privatizing the operations of key metro corridors, specifically the Red Line and the Green Line. While the initial tender process for the Red Line commenced in October of the previous year, it encountered a temporary halt due to technical complications. Taking a fresh start, DMRC, on January 2, issued a renewed call for bids for the Red Line and simultaneously initiated the tender process for the Green Line.

The Red Line, serving as the backbone of the Delhi Metro system, connects Rithala to Shaheed Sthal New Bus Stand Ghaziabad, spanning a distance of vital 64.2 kilometers and passing through 52 strategically located stations. On the other hand, the Green Line stretches from Kirti Nagar to Inderlok and Bahadurgarh, covering a substantial distance with its 64.2 kilometers and incorporating 52 stations.

This development follows the recent move by DMRC to extend privatization initiatives to the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro, operating between Kashmiri Gate and Ballabgarh. Presently, the Yellow Line remains the sole corridor under private management, extending from Samaypur Badli to Millenium City Centre Gurugram.

Private agencies are anticipated to assume operational control of the Red and Green Lines by October-November 2024. DMRC is allocating approximately Rs 65 crore for this privatization project. As part of the agreement, the chosen private agencies will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing metro operations on these lines for a duration of six years. Furthermore, the selected private entity will be responsible for recruiting and training its workforce, including 221 drivers for the Red Line and 143 drivers for the Green Line.

The decision by DMRC to privatize the operations of the Red and Green Lines marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Delhi's metro system. As the city strives for more efficient and streamlined public transportation, this move is expected to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. The involvement of private agencies brings a new dynamic to the management of these critical metro corridors, signaling a shift towards a more collaborative approach in catering to the burgeoning needs of the city's commuters.