Govt of India approves ₹6,230 crore Rithala-Kundli Corridor of Delhi Metro Phase 4

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity, the Union Cabinet has approved the much-awaited 26.463-km Rithala-Kundli corridor under Delhi Metro's Phase-IV expansion. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, marking a milestone in the ongoing effort to improve urban mobility between Delhi and Haryana.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a press conference, revealed that the new corridor would feature 21 elevated stations, significantly improving transportation links between Delhi’s northern regions and parts of Haryana. The project, which is slated for completion within four years, will extend the existing Red Line, currently operational between Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) and Rithala, all the way to Kundli in Haryana. This will provide much-needed access to key areas like Narela, Bawana, and Rohini.

The Rithala-Kundli corridor will be the fourth Delhi Metro extension into Haryana, building upon previous expansions to Gurugram, Ballabhgarh, and Bahadurgarh. This strategic addition will bolster Delhi’s metro network, further integrating it with Haryana’s growing urban hubs.

Cost and Timeline for Completion

The total cost of the Rithala-Kundli corridor is estimated at ₹6,230 crore. The construction of the line is expected to be completed within four years, with work already progressing as part of the broader Phase-IV expansion. The inclusion of 21 elevated stations will cater to the growing demand for efficient public transport in these regions.

Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the Rithala-Kundli corridor is a crucial step in realizing the vision of Delhi Metro becoming one of the top three largest metro networks globally. Once completed, this corridor will drastically improve the accessibility of key Delhi suburbs and satellite towns in Haryana, offering a faster, more sustainable mode of transport for thousands of commuters.

In addition to the Rithala-Kundli corridor, the Delhi Metro Phase-IV expansion includes other priority corridors covering 65.202 km and 45 stations. These projects are more than 56% complete, with an expected stage-wise completion by March 2026. Two additional corridors, covering 20.762 km, are also in the pre-tendering phase.

Current Delhi Metro Operations and Ridership

Currently, the Delhi Metro network spans 392 km with 288 stations, providing daily services to an average of 64 lakh passengers. In a notable achievement, the network recorded its highest-ever ridership on November 18, 2024, with 78.67 lakh passenger journeys in a single day. The expansion into Haryana and the completion of Phase-IV corridors will further increase the capacity and accessibility of this vital transport system.

The Rithala-Kundli corridor is a part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving urban mobility and promoting regional connectivity. This expansion supports Delhi Metro’s broader goals of reducing traffic congestion, enhancing environmental sustainability, and ensuring efficient public transportation for the city’s rapidly growing population.

With its vast network and expansion plans, Delhi Metro continues to play a key role in shaping the future of urban mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR), and the Rithala-Kundli corridor is a pivotal addition to this vision.