DMRC gets approval to Fell or Transplant 364 Trees for Central Vista Metro Corridor under Phase IV

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has secured approval to fell or transplant 364 trees for the construction of the proposed Central Vista Metro Corridor, a crucial component of the upcoming Indraprastha–Inderlok Metro Line being developed under Delhi Metro’s Phase IV expansion programme.

The approval, granted by the Tree Authority, clears a key environmental and administrative hurdle for the project and is expected to accelerate the commencement of critical construction activities along the corridor.

Under the approved plan, 193 trees will be felled, while 171 trees will be carefully transplanted to alternate locations. The affected trees are situated along the proposed alignment as well as at sites identified for metro stations, entry-exit structures, and associated infrastructure required for the new corridor.

The Central Vista Metro Corridor has been conceived to strengthen public transport connectivity across some of Delhi’s most important government, administrative and institutional districts. The corridor will pass through strategic locations in central Delhi and is expected to provide seamless integration with the existing Delhi Metro network, enhancing accessibility for thousands of daily commuters.

According to officials, the tree removal and transplantation activities are essential for carrying out civil construction works, including station development, viaduct structures and other supporting infrastructure. The approval is particularly significant as environmental clearances related to tree management were among the pending requirements before construction could proceed on certain stretches of the corridor.

As part of the approval conditions, DMRC has been directed to implement comprehensive compensatory plantation measures and ensure that all eligible trees identified for transplantation are relocated in accordance with prescribed environmental guidelines. The corporation will also be responsible for monitoring the survival, health and growth of transplanted trees over a specified period.

The Indraprastha–Inderlok corridor forms an important part of Delhi Metro’s ambitious Phase IV expansion, which aims to improve connectivity across the National Capital Region by linking emerging residential areas, employment hubs, educational institutions and major public facilities. The project is expected to enhance mobility options while supporting Delhi’s long-term objectives of reducing traffic congestion, lowering vehicular emissions and encouraging greater use of public transport.

Urban transport experts note that while infrastructure development often requires difficult environmental decisions, modern metro systems continue to deliver significant long-term sustainability benefits by reducing dependence on private vehicles and lowering the overall carbon footprint of urban transportation.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The expansion of metro infrastructure is essential for building sustainable and efficient cities. While environmental conservation must remain a priority, projects of strategic public importance should adopt a balanced approach through responsible tree transplantation, compensatory plantation and ecological monitoring. The Central Vista Metro Corridor will play a vital role in improving connectivity to key administrative and employment centres while supporting Delhi’s broader sustainable mobility goals.”

With the tree authority approval now in place, DMRC is expected to move ahead with preparatory and construction activities, bringing the Central Vista Metro Corridor a step closer to becoming part of Delhi’s expanding rapid transit network.