Difference between revisions of "Timeline of Delhi Metro"

Latest revision as of 21:31, 19 April 2024

This is a timeline of Delhi Metro, a mass rapid transit (MRT) system serving Delhi and its adjoining satellite cities.

Big picture

Sample questions

• Which new metro lines have been opened in Delhi, contributing to the expansion of the metro network?
  • Sort the full timeline by "Event type" and look for the group of rows with value "New line".
  • You will receive a detailed list of events describing the openings of new metro lines in the Delhi metro system. This includes chronological information about each new line inauguration, along with details such as the length of the line, the number of stations added, and significant milestones associated with each expansion. Additionally, you may also receive insights into the impact of these new lines on the overall connectivity and accessibility of the Delhi metro network.
• What are the successive line extensions that have been implemented in the Delhi Metro system?
  • Sort the full timeline by "Event type" and look for the group of rows with value "Line extension".
  • You will obtain information on key events, including descriptions of new stations, insights into expansion reasons, analyses of impact on ridership and infrastructure, explanations of challenges faced, comparisons with other metro systems, future plans, and expert opinions.
• What are some significant partnerships between the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and external entities?
  • Sort the full timeline by "Event type" and look for the group of rows with value "Partnership".
  • You will receive a detailed list of significant partnerships between the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and various external entities. This includes the nature of each partnership, the entities involved, and the specific initiatives or projects undertaken through these collaborations. Each entry provides insights into how these partnerships contribute to enhancing services, promoting innovation, and improving the overall commuter experience within the Delhi metro system.
• What are some significant contracts awarded to or entered into by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation with providers?
  • Sort the full timeline by "Event type" and look for the group of rows with value "Contract".
  • You will see some significant contracts with details such as entities involved, and the specific nature of each contract.
• What are some significant developments in payment services provided by the Delhi Metro?
  • Sort the full timeline by "Event type" and look for the group of rows with value "Payment service".
  • Ypu will see a list of events outlining the advancements in payment services, including details such as the introduction of online smart card recharge, plans for a Common Mobility Card, pilot projects for digital payment options, and the expansion of WhatsApp-based ticketing across all metro lines.
• Other events are described under the following types: "Accident", "Acquisition", "Cultural initiative", "Early development", "Infrastructure", "Leadership", "Personnel training", "Recognition", "Service cost", and "Statistics".

Full timeline

Year	Month and date	Event type	Details
1995	May 3	Early development	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is established for the implementation and subsequent operations of the mass rapid transit system in Delhi. It is incorporated with equal equity participation from the Government of India and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.[6]
1998	October 1	Early development	Construction works to build the rail mass transit system begin, following more than 40 years of studies.[7][8]
2002	July 19	Early development	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, recognizing the imperative need for competency building in rail-based urban transportation systems, establishes the Delhi Metro Rail Academy at the Shastri Park Train Depot. Since its inception, the Academy would play a crucial role in training over 45,000 DMRC employees, contributing significantly to the organization's functioning.[9]
2002	December 24	New line	The Red Line, the inaugural line of the Delhi Metro, is inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Tis Hazari – Shahdara section is made accessible to the public on the same day.[10] Six stations are inaugurated as part of the line: Kashmere Gate[11], Seelampur[12], Shahdara[13], Shastri Park[14], Tis Hazari[15] and Welcome.
2003	October 3	Line extension	The first phase of the Red Line is extended from Tis Hazari to Inderlok, covering a distance of 4.87 kilometers and adding four stations[5]: Inderlok[16], Pratap Nagar[17], Pul Bangash[18], and Shastri Nagar.[19]
2004	March 31	Line extension	The Red Line is further extended from Inderlok to Rithala[5], adding 8.84 kilometers (5.49 mi) to the line and 8 new stations: Kanhaiya Nagar[20], Keshav Puram[21], Kohat Enclave, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, Rithala, Rohini East, and Rohini West.
2004	December 20	New line	The first underground section on the Yellow Line opens from Vishwa Vidyalaya to Kashmere Gate, inaugurating the first 4.06 kilometers (2.52 mi) of the new line, and four new stations: Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Vidhan Sabha and Vishwa Vidyalaya.[22]
2005	July 3	Line extension	The first phase of the Yellow Line is extended from Kashmere Gate to Central Secretariat, adding 6.62 kilometers (4.11 mi) to the line and six stations: Central Secretariat[23][24], Chandni Chowk[23][25], Chawri Bazar[23][26], New Delhi[23], Patel Chowk[23], and Rajiv Chowk[23] open.[8]
2005	December 30	New line	The Blue Line, also known as Line 3/4, becomes part of the Delhi Metro system when the Dwarka – Barakhamba Road section of the line is inaugurated and opened to the public by the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.[27][8][28], Dwarka[29] The line is inaugurated with 22.74 km (14.13 mi) and 22 stations: Barakhamba Road, Dwarka, Dwarka Mor[30], Janakpuri East, Janakpuri West[31], Jhandewalan, Karol Bagh, Kirti Nagar, Moti Nagar, Nawada, Patel Nagar, Rajendra Place, Rajiv Chowk, Rajouri Garden, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Ramesh Nagar, Shadipur, Subhash Nagar, Tagore Garden, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar East, and Uttam Nagar West.
2006	April 1	Line extension	The Blue Line is extended, with trains now running through additional sectors in the Dwarka sub-city, offering a 50-minute ride from Dwarka Sector 9 to Barakhamba Road. The project, completed in a record 22 months, includes unique features like 6.7m high stations and a dedicated corridor. The Delhi Development Authority funds the construction.[32] 6.47 km (4.02 mi) are added to the line, including six stations: Dwarka Sector 9, Dwarka Sector 10, Dwarka Sector 11, Dwarka Sector 12, Dwarka Sector 13, and Dwarka Sector 14 metro stations beginning passenger services.[8]
2006	November 11	Line extension	The Barakhamba Road – Indraprastha section of the Blue Line opens, adding 2.80 km (1.74 mi) and three stations: Indraprastha, Mandi House[33] and Supreme Court.[8][5]	Mandi House metro station
2008	June 4	Line extension	The second phase of the Red Line is extended from Shahdara to Dilshad Garden, adding 2.86 kilometers (1.78 mi) to the line and 3 stations: Dilshad Garden[34], Jhilmil[35], and Mansarovar Park[36].
2008	December 31	Infrastructure	Metro Museum delhi is founded at Patel Chowk metro station, standing as the sole museum dedicated to a Metro Railway in the entire South Asian region. Located on a functional metro station, it is also situated in close proximity to other museums like the National Museum, Philately Museum, and Parliament Museum, making it a distinctive cultural and educational hub in the heart of Delhi.[37][38]	Patel Chowk entrance
2009	February 4	Line extension	The second phase of the Yellow Line opens from Vishwa Vidyalaya to Jahangirpuri, adding 6.38 kilometers (3.96 mi) to the line and 5 stations: Adarsh Nagar[22], Azadpur[39], GTB Nagar[40], Jahangirpuri[41], and Model Town.[42]	Model Town metro station
2009	May 10	New line	Blue Line Yamuna Bank metro station opens.[8] This station is a transfer point between the Noida and Vaishali branches of the Blue Line.	Yamuna Bank metro station
2009	July 12	Accident	The collapse of a bridge section being constructed for Delhi's metro trains result in the tragic deaths of five workers and injuries to 13 others near the Greater Kailash neighborhood. The accident occurrs during the raising of a 2.5-mile metal cantilever to connect with concrete girders, leading to a V-shaped pile of rubble. Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, the managing director of Delhi metro, resigns, citing moral responsibility. The incident causes significant damage and a delay of at least three months to the metro project, with an estimated loss of 60 million rupees. This tragedy underscores safety concerns amid the rush to expand the metro ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October 2010.[43]
2009	August 2	Personnel training	The Delhi Metro Training School at Shastri Park receives ISO 9001:2008 certification, acknowledging its Quality Management System in training programs. Established in 2002, it's the sole specialized institute for metro operations and maintenance technology in South Asia, initially developed with Hong Kong Metro's assistance. Over 5,000 employees, including Delhi Metro, CISF, and Bangalore Metro personnel, receive training. TUV SUD South Asia audits and endorses its Quality Management System. The school features model rooms for signaling and AFC systems understanding.[44]
2009	November 12	Line extension	The Blue Line is extended from Yamuna Bank to Noida City Centre, with a total length of 13.1 km.[45] The extension includes ten stations: Akshardham[46], Botanical[47], Golf Course[48], Mayur Vihar-I[49], Mayur Vihar Extension[50], New Ashok Nagar[51], Noida City Centre[52], Noida Sector 15[53], Noida Sector 16[54] and Noida Sector 18[55] open.
2010	January 6	Line extension	Delhi Metro's Blue Line Branch (Line 4) is first inaugurated from Yamuna Bank metro station up to the Anand Vihar in East Delhi. With a length of 6.25 Km (3.88 mi), the extension includes six stations: Anand Vihar[56], Karkarduma[57], Laxmi Nagar[58], Nirman Vihar[59], Preet Vihar[60], and Yamuna Bank[61].[62]	Anand Vihar metro station - Main entrance
2010	April 2	New line	The Green Line is inaugurated as Delhi Metro's first standard gauge line, connecting Mundka to Inderlok. The line, also known as Line 5, is significant as it connects already operational Dilshad Garden--Rithala Line (Line 1) and Noida--Dwarka line (Line 3). The 15.10-km-long section boasts 17 new standard gauge trains and 14 stations: Ashok Park Main, Inderlok, Madipur, Maharaja Surajmal Stadium, Mundka, Nangloi, Nangloi Railway Station, Paschim Vihar East, Paschim Vihar West, Peeragarhi, Punjabi Bagh East, Rajdhani Park, Shivaji Park, and Udyog Nagar.[63]	Green line Delhi metro at Rajdhani park metro station
2010	June 21	Line extension	The second phase of the Yellow Line is extended between HUDA City Centre and Qutab Minar, adding 15.82 kilometers (9.83 mi) to the line and 9 stations: Arjan Garh, Ghitorni, Guru Dronacharya, HUDA City Centre, IFFCO Chowk, MG Road, Qutab Minar[8], Sikanderpur, and Sultanpur.
2010	August 26	Line extension	Chhatarpur metro station on the Yellow Line officially openes. The elevated station, situated on the Delhi-Gurugram link road, serves as a gateway to the Chhatarpur Temple.[64][65]	Chhatarpur Metro station Platform
2010	September 3	Line extension	The second phase of the Yellow Line opens from Central Secretariat to Qutab Minar, adding 11.76 kilometers (7.31 mi) to the line and 9 stations: AIIMS, Dilli Haat - INA, Green Park, Hauz Khas, Jor Bagh, Lok Kalyan Marg metro station, Malviya Nagar, Saket, and Udyog Bhawan.[8]
2010	October 3	New line	Violet Line stations Central Secretariat, Govindpuri, Harkesh Nagar Okhla, Jangpura, Jasola Apollo, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kailash Colony, Kalkaji Mandir, Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar, Moolchand, Nehru Place, and Sarita Vihar open.[8]
2010	October 30	Line extension	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation extends its services by adding a 2.76km stretch to the Blue Line from Dwarka Sector 9[66] to Dwarka Sector 21[67] This extension includes two new stations at Sector-8 and Dwarka Sector-21. This addition increases the operational Metro network to approximately 156 kilometers with 132 Metro stations.[8][68]
2011	January 14	Line extension	The Sarita Vihar – Badarpur section of the Delhi Metro's Violet Line opens to the public, spanning five kilometers with elevated stations at Mohan Estate, Tughlakabad, and Badarpur. This stretch benefits commuters in south Delhi, including Mohan Estate, Tughlakabad, and Kalindi Kunj, along with the nearby town of Faridabad in Haryana. The extension includes three stations: Badarpur Border, Mohan Estate and Tughlakabad begin operations.[8][69]
2011	February 23	New line	The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line, a 23-km high-speed line jointly developed by Delhi Airport Metro Express (a Reliance Infrastructure subsidiary) and DMRC, commences operations as the first Public-Private-Partnership corridor.[70] [8] The project, costing Rs 5,700 crore, faces delays in obtaining safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, causing it to miss its initial deadline before the Commonwealth Games in October 2010. The trains initially operate at 105 kmph, awaiting formal approval for 120-kmph speeds from the Research Design and Standards Organisation.[71] New stations include Dwarka Sector 21, IGI Airport, New Delhi, and Shivaji Stadium.	Metro Express on the above ground segment
2011	July 14	Line extension	Delhi Metro's Blue Line Branch (Line 4) is further extended 2.26 km (1.40 mi). The line extension includes two stations: Kaushambi and Vaishali.[62]
2011	August 15	Line extension	Two new stations, Dhaula Kuan and Aerocity, on the Airport Express Metro line in Delhi become operational. The Airport Express Metro now connects all six stations on its 23-km line: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Aerocity, IGI Airport, and Dwarka Sector 21. The expansion benefits air travelers, defense personnel, and students in the respective areas. The new stations aim to improve convenience and accessibility for passengers.[72] Situated at an elevation of 23.6 meters, the Dhaula Kuan metro station height is equivalent to that of a seven-story building. This feature makes the station the highest point in the entire Delhi Metro system.[38]	Delhi Aerocity Metro Station
2011	August 27	Line extension	Green Line stations Kirti Nagar and Satguru Ram Singh Marg start operations.[8]
2011	October 3	Recognition	The Delhi Metro achieves the distinction of being the world's first railway network to earn carbon credits from the United Nations, recognized for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since its inception in 2002, the metro contributed to cutting pollution levels in New Delhi by 630,000 tons annually. With 1.8 million daily commuters, the metro is set to receive $9.5 million in carbon credits annually for seven years, supporting the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) scheme. The UN notes that each passenger opting for the metro over cars or buses reduces emissions by approximately 100gm of carbon dioxide per 10km trip.[7]
2011	December	Leadership	After a 15-year tenure as Delhi Metro chief, E. Sreedharan retires, passing the baton to his colleague Mangu Singh. Sreedharan, at 79, has been with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation since 1997, overseeing its transformative growth. Mangu Singh, a 56-year-old civil engineer from Roorkee University, is chosen by a panel and would lead DMRC during the Phase-III expansion, adding 117 km to the Metro network in the capital.[73]
2012	December 24	Infrastructure	To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Delhi Metro introduces an 8-coach train. A commemorative book and a special metro song are released.[74]
2012	December 24	Partnership	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation expands its reach globally by securing the contract for 'Management Consulting Services' for the initial phase of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit System in Indonesia, covering 15.7 kilometers. This international project involves collaboration with eight other global firms, including Japanese companies Padeco and Oriental Consultant, Indonesian firms PT Ernst and Young Advisory Services, PT Indotek Engineering Jaya, PT Pamintori Cipia, Lambaga Management, and PT Public Private Partnership, along with the US-based Seneca Group. The DMRC's involvement marks a significant step in its international presence and expertise in metro system management.[75]
2013	May 9	Payment service	Commuters using the Delhi Metro can now conveniently recharge their smart cards online. This new feature offers added flexibility and ease of use for passengers, allowing them to recharge their cards from the comfort of their homes or offices. The initiative aims to streamline the commuting experience and reduce the inconvenience of having to recharge smart cards at physical locations.[76][6]
2014	February 19	Contract	Kuwait invites the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to serve as a consultant for the Kuwait metro project. By this time, the DMRC is recognized for its expertise and is approached to provide guidance and consulting services for the development of the Kuwait metro project. The collaboration signifies the international recognition of Delhi Metro's capabilities and its involvement in assisting other countries in establishing and managing their metro systems.[77]
2014	June 26	New line	The Mandi House to Central Secretariat Metro section in Delhi is inaugurated by Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, including two stations: Janpath and Mandi House. The 3.23 kilometers (2.01 mi) underground section is an extension of the Violet Line. The extension aims to decongest Rajiv Chowk station and provide smoother transfers. The minister encourages colleagues to use the metro for pollution reduction. The section is part of Phase III, set to connect major portions of Delhi by March 2016, with plans to explore revenue sources for sustainability.[33][78]
2015	June 8	Line extension	The ITO station of the Violet Line opens, adding 0.97 kilometers (0.60 mi) to the line.[8]
2015	September 6	Line extension	The Badarpur-Faridabad Metro line is inaugurated as an extension of the Violet Line (Line 6). The new section, aimed at boosting employment opportunities, uses clean energy through solar power generation of around 2 Megawatts. The extension, built at a cost of nearly Rs 2,500 crore, connects Sarai to Escorts Mujesar with nine stations: Sarai, NHPC Chowk, Mewala Maharajpur, Sector 28, Badkal Mor, Old Faridabad, Neelam Chowk Arjonda, Bata Chowk, and Escorts Mujesar. The line covers a distance of 14 km, and the entire Line 6 nos spans from Kashmere Gate to Escorts Mujesar, with a length of 43.4 km and 32 stations. To manage rush of increased average ridership, the DMRC introduces six-coach trains. The fare from Escorts Mujesar to ITO is Rs 28 at this time.[79][8]	Mewala Maharajpur metro station
2015	November 10	Line extension	The third phase of the Yellow Line starts operations from Jahangirpuri to Samaypur Badli, adding 4.38 kilometers (2.72 mi) to the line, and three stations: Samaypur Badli, Rohini Sector 18, 19, and Haiderpur Badli Mor.[8] After the extension opens, the Yellow Line from Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre spans 49 km, contributing to Delhi Metro's network of approximately 213 km with 159 stations.[80]	Rohini Sector 18,19 metro station
2016	May	Payment service	The Government of Delhi announces plans to launch a Common Mobility Card for travel in Delhi Metro, DTC buses and cluster buses. DMRC provides assistance to develop the revenue-sharing model.[81]
2016	August 17	Statistics	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation achieves its highest ridership in its 16-year history, with 3.361 million people commuting via the metro. At this time, the DMRC network boasts more than a thousand operational escalators and 750 lifts. Since 2002, over 20 million smart cards would have been in circulation, and the network is equipped with over 700 token vending machines, showcasing the efficiency and scale of the Delhi Metro system.[38]
2017	January 1	Payment service	DMRC launches a pilot project for digital payment options on 10 stations.[6]
2017	May 28	Line extension	The 'Heritage Line' stretch of the Delhi Metro, an extension of the Violet Line, becomes operational. The stretch includes four stations: Kashmere Gate metro station, Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, and Lal Qila. The line is inaugurated by Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, two hours before its commercial operation begins. Delays in construction are attributed to challenges faced on the vulnerable stretch, including historical ramparts and issues such as land procurement and labor shortages after demonetization.[82][83][8] Kashmere Gate becomes sole triple interchange station in Delhi, linking the Yellow, Violet, and Red metro lines. Recognized as one of the busiest stations, it serves as a pivotal hub facilitating transfers between these three metro lines in the city.[38]	Jama Masjid metro station
2017	May	Service cost	DMRC revises its fares almost after eight years of service. The fares are revised upwards on an average of 66 per cent. While the lowest fare is revised from INR8 to INR10, the highest fare is increased from INR30 to INR50. The fare increase is attributed to burgeoning costs of inputs, staff, energy, maintenance.[6]
2017	May	Cultural initiative	A Delhi-based couple, Shruti Sharma and Tarun Chauhan, initiate "Books on the Delhi Metro," inspired by Emma Watson's involvement with "Books on the Underground." Their aim is to rejuvenate the joy of reading by hiding books at metro stations with clues shared on social media. Commuters are encouraged to take, read, and then return the books for others to enjoy. Their initiative quickly gains popularity, earning praise for offering a unique experience for book lovers and fostering a love for reading among commuters.[84]
2017	December 25	New line	Delhi Metro's Magenta Line is inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new line aims to reduce travel time between Noida and south Delhi. The 12.64 km section is part of the Botanical Garden-Janakpuri West (Magenta) Line, with safety approval from the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety. The project features driverless trains in the future, utilizing an advanced Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system with a frequency of 90 to 100 seconds. The new route provides direct access from Noida to Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station, cutting travel time by approximately 45 minutes.[85] Nine stations are inaugurated as part of the line: Jamia Millia Islamia, Janakpuri West, Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh, Kalindi Kunj, Kalkaji Mandir, Okhla Bird Sanctuary[86], Okhla NSIC[87], Okhla Vihar[88], and Sukhdev Vihar.[89] To date, Janakpuri West, located on both the Blue and Magenta Lines, boasts the tallest escalator in India, with an elevation of 15.6 meters. Prior to Janakpuri West, the Mumbai Terminal 2 airport held the record with escalators measuring 11.6 meters in height.[38]	A Metro in Okhla Bird Sanctuary Station
2018	March 14	New line	The first section on the Pink Line becomes operational. The new section connects Majlis Park to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus. The Pink Line, part of Metro’s Phase 3, is expected to ultimately connect all six lines of DMRC, reducing travel time and providing access to the airport. With the opening of this 21.56 km-long section, the operational span of Delhi Metro expands to 252 km. The end-to-end travel time on this stretch is 34 minutes, with a fare of Rs 40 at the time. 12 stations are inaugurated as part of the line: Azadpur, Delhi Cantonment, Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, ESI - Basaidarapur, Majlis Park, Mayapuri, Naraina Vihar, Netaji Subhash Place, Punjabi Bagh West, Rajouri Garden, Shakurpur, and Shalimar Bagh.[90][91]	Delhi Cantonment metro station
2018	March 18	Payment service	In partnership with IndusInd Bank, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation introduces the 'METRO PLUS' debit card, offering dual functionality as a Delhi Metro Smart Card and a regular debit card. Launched by DMRC's Managing Director Dr. Mangu Singh and Mr. Ritesh Raj Saxena of IndusInd Bank, the card enables seamless travel across the metro network, including usage at parking lots and feeder buses. Users can auto-top-up their smart cards at AFC gates, eliminating the need for manual top-ups. The card, embedded with a Delhi Metro Transit chip and a secured debit card chip, allows various recharge options through IndusInd Bank's channels. This initiative aligns with DMRC's digital drive for cashless transactions and enhances commuter convenience.[92]
2018	May 29	Line extension	The Kalkaji Mandir to Janakpuri West section of the Magenta Line, covering 25.6km with 16 stations (14 underground, 2 elevated), is opened. This extension connects areas like Vasant Vihar, Greater Kailash, Munirka, and IIT, offering improved accessibility. The Magenta Line reduces travel time between west and south Delhi, linking the capital to Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. With three interchange stations—Janakpuri West (Blue Line), Hauz Khas (Yellow Line), and Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line)—it facilitates easier commuting. The line, promoted as a knowledge corridor, connects major universities, expecting an average footfall of 400,000 people.[93] The extension includes the following stations: Chirag Delhi, Dabri Mor - Janakpuri, Dashrath Puri, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, IIT Delhi, Janakpuri West, Munirka, Nehru Enclave, Palam[94], Panchsheel Park[95], R. K. Puram, Sadar Bazaar Cantonment, Shankar Vihar, Terminal 1-IGI Airport, and Vasant Vihar.[8] Hauz Khas, situated also on the Yellow Line, holds the record as the deepest station in Delhi to date, with a depth of 30 meters.[38]	Munirka metro station
2018	June 24	Line extension	The 11.2 km western extension of Delhi Metro Line 5 from Mundka to Bahadurgarh City Park is inaugurated. The extension, built at a cost of 20 billion Indian Rupees, operates entirely on a viaduct, adding seven stations to the Green Line: Bahadurgarh City, Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh, Ghevra, Mundka Industrial Area, Pandit Shree Ram Sharma, Tikri Border, and Tikri Kalan. The project, attended by Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, aims to serve as a gateway to the expanding suburbs in the National Capital Region, fostering economic development. With the opening of this extension, the operational length of the Delhi Metro network reaches 288 km, comprising 208 stations.[96]	Bahadurgarh City metro station
2018	August 6	Line extension	An eight-kilometer section of Delhi Metro's Pink Line, connecting Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus to Lajpat Nagar, is opened to the public. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurate the section, which includes six stations: Bhikaji Cama Place, Dilli Haat – INA, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Sir Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh, and South Extension. Notably, the stations are platinum-rated by the Indian Green Building Council for their adherence to environment-friendly building norms. This expansion brings the Delhi Metro network to 296 km with 214 stations. Union Minister Anant Kumar remotely inaugurates the metro section from Metro Bhawan.[97]	Bhikaji Cama Place metro station
2018	October 31	Line extension	The Pink Line's Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake section opens to the public. It spans 17.8 km, marking a significant expansion for the Delhi Metro network. The total network now stands at nearly 314 km with 229 stations, incorporating the operationalization of this new corridor. Incorporating the newly added Anand Vihar metro station, which serves as an interchange with an existing station on the Blue Line, this stretch transforms the vicinity into a prominent transport hub. This transformation is accentuated by the presence of an established railway station and an Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT). The key feature of this section lies in the inclusion of three interchange stations: Anand Vihar (connecting with the Blue Line), Karkarduma (also with the Blue Line), and Welcome (interchange with the Red Line). The corridor introduces 15 stations, namely Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake, East Vinod Nagar-Mayur Vihar-II, Mandawali-West Vinod Nagar, IP Extension, Anand Vihar ISBT, Karkarduma, Karkarduma Court, Krishna Nagar, East Azad Nagar, Welcome, Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave, and Shiv Vihar.[98]	Shiv Vihar metro station
2018	November 19	Line extension	Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates a southern extension of the Delhi metro Violet Line. The extension includes Raja Nahar Singh, and Sant Surdas (Sihi), two stations in the Ballabhgarh district of Faridabad, serving the National Capital Region in the state of Haryana. As part of Phase III, the Violet Line adds a 3.35 kilometers (2.08 mi) extension of the line, and is now 46.6 km long with 34 stations.[99]
2018	December 27	Partnership	Delhi Metro launches a pilot project in collaboration with Ola and Uber to enhance last-mile connectivity for commuters. Kiosks at Dwarka Sector-21 and Rajiv Chowk metro stations would offer information on booking status and the location of already booked cabs from both ride-hailing services. The initiative aims to facilitate seamless mobility and assist passengers in reaching their final destinations. At this time, Ola and Uber have kiosks at various metro stations, contributing to the overall effort to improve last-mile connectivity, with 400 zones identified at 210 metro stations for cab aggregator spaces.[100]
2018	December 31	Line extension	A 9.63 km section of Pink Line, connecting Lajpat Nagar to Mayur Vihar Pocket 1, is inaugurated. Supported by the Government of Japan through Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans, the project incorporates Japanese principles of railway safety management and project management, along with technologies from Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsui & Co. The inauguration ceremony includes Ambassador Hiramatsu, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The corridor is part of the 59-km-long Pink Line from Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar in Phase-III of the DMRC network. The extension includes five stations: Vinobapuri, Ashram, Mayur Vihar-I, Mayur Vihar Pocket I, and Sarai Kale Khan – Nizamuddin.[101][102][103][104] Ashram would be hailed as the world's smallest metro station due to its unique design, developed to overcome space and land constraints. With parts of the station located in nearby plots due to limited space, the station occupies only 151.6 meters, significantly smaller than the average size of 265 meters for metro stations.[38]
2019	March 8	Line extension	The third phase of the Red Line is extended from Dilshad Garden to Shaheed Sthal, covering a distance of 9.63 kilometers (5.98 mi) and adding eight stations: Shaheed Nagar, Raj Bagh, Rajendra Nagar, Shyam Park, Mohan Nagar, Arthala, Hindon River Station, and New Bus Adda. The new section marks the Delhi Metro's entry into the interiors of Ghaziabad, connecting industrial areas in Ghaziabad and Sahibabad. The extension expands the Red Line to a total of 34.72 km with a peak hour frequency of six minutes and twelve seconds. This addition enhances connectivity for Ghaziabad residents within the National Capital Region. With this inauguration, the Delhi Metro network spans 336.6 km with 244 metro stations, and the DMRC's coverage in Uttar Pradesh reaches 52.85 km.[105]
2019	March 9	Line extension	The 6.6-km Noida City Centre-Noida Electronic City section is inaugurated as an extension of the Delhi Metro's Blue Line. The elevated section comprises six stations, including Sector 34, Sector 52, Sector 61, Sector 59, Sector 62, and Noida Electronic City, providing a faster mode of transport for Noida residents. The Noida extension aims to decongest roads and promote eco-friendly transport.[8][106]
2019	September 2	Partnership	Bengaluru-based mobility-as-a-service startup Yulu partners with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to introduce its electric two-wheeler, Yulu Miracle, in and around nine metro stations in Delhi-NCR. The first phase is planned to cover the Yellow and Blue Metro lines, providing eco-friendly commute options to reduce pollution and congestion in the city. The service aims to enhance first and last-mile connectivity for commuters. Yulu plans to deploy 5,000 Yulu Miracles in Delhi by December 2019, expanding to 25,000 by 2020.[107]
2019	October 4	New line	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation opens the Grey Line metro on the Dwarka-Najafgarh route. The new 4.2 km Grey Line metro connects Dwarka, Nangli, and Najafgarh, with Dwarka metro station as the interchange for the Blue Line metro. The total travel time from Najafgarh to Dwarka is estimated to be 6 minutes and 20 seconds. The metro is aimed to be available every 7 minutes and 30 seconds during peak hours.[108] The extension includes three stations: Dwarka, Nangli, and Najafgarh.
2019	October 22	Acquisition	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation officially takes over the operations of the Rapid Metro Gurgaon, Haryana. With this acquisition, the 11.6 km Rapid Metro line, previously operated by Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Ltd., becomes a part of the Delhi Metro network. The integration aims to streamline services, improve connectivity, and enhance operational efficiency in the National Capital Region. This move is expected to benefit commuters and contribute to the overall development of metro services in the region.[109][110]
2019	September 18	Personnel training	The Delhi Metro Training Institute is renamed the Delhi Metro Rail Academy (DMRA) and unveils a new logo. Managed by DMRC, by this time it has trained over 25,000 Delhi Metro personnel and 2,000 from other Indian and neighboring metros. The academy, led by a dean and department heads, aims to elevate training quality in Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). It's known for its modern facilities and ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. DMRA announces plans to upgrade infrastructure, technology, and academics, with a new website in development. It serves both domestic and international clients, including metro and non-metro organizations.[111]
2020	January 3	Partnership	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation partners with Maxima Digital, Techno Sat Comm Consortium, and MaximaTelecom to introduce free high-speed in-train Wi-Fi services on the Airport Express Line. Commuters can access the service by logging into the "METROWIFI_FREE" network. At the time available on the Airport Express Line, the initiative involves laying 24 km of optical fiber with 44 base stations, with plans to expand coverage across the entire Delhi Metro network. In addition to in-train WiFi, DMRC collaborates with Rail Tel Corporation to offer free WiFi at select metro stations, contributing to Delhi's broader public internet access initiatives, including hotspot installations and a free public WiFi scheme.[112]
2020	September 17	Contract	Mitsubishi Electric Corporation secures a contract from BEML Limited to supply propulsion equipment for 80 new cars of the Delhi Metro, expanding its total sales in India's metro markets beyond 3,000 railcars. To date, the company has been a consistent supplier to India's metro systems since 2001. Local production at Mitsubishi Electric India's Bidadi Factory aligns with the Indian government's "Make In India" policy.[113]
2021	September 18	Line extension	Grey Line Dhansa Bus Stand metro station is inaugurated by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal via video conferencing. It is an extension from Najafgarh to Dhansa Bus Stand. The 4.2 km extension benefits historic Najafgarh, featuring artwork at Dhansa Bus Stand station and introducing the first underground integrated parking facility. Passenger services start at 5 pm on the same day. With this expansion, the Delhi Metro network reaches 390 km with 286 stations. The inauguration faces a delay of over a month due to approach road issues.[114][115][116]
2021	September	Leadership	The government extends Mangu Singh's tenure as Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation until March 31, 2022. Mangu Singh took over as MD on January 1, 2012, succeeding E Sreedharan. The extension is crucial amid ongoing work on Phase IV of the Delhi Metro network, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Singh, known for his leadership during challenges, guided the resumption of metro services in September 2020 and their limited restart during the 2021 second wave.[117]
2022	March 22	Line extension	Punjabi Bagh West metro station is inaugurated, connecting the Green Line (Brig. Hoshiar Singh to Inderlok/Kirti Nagar) and Pink Line (Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar). Unique to this station is the use of steel platforms above the Punjabi Bagh roundabout, offering boarding and deboarding facilities. Commuters can interchange between Green and Pink Lines, enhancing connectivity in Delhi. The platforms are linked by a 212-meter Foot Over Bridge (FOB) connecting to the Pink Line's Punjabi Bagh West station. This initiative, improving interconnectivity between two operational corridors, benefits travelers to Bahadurgarh and outer Delhi areas.[118]
2022	March 29	Line extension	Delhi Metro inaugurates its first interchange station at Punjabi Bagh, connecting the Green Line to the Pink Line. The interchange station addresses the demand for seamless connectivity between the two lines, which previously intersected without a halt facility. The station features a 212-meter Foot Over Bridge (FOB) linking the Green Line's Punjabi Bagh West station to the Pink Line.[119]
2022	November 17	Contract	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation grants a contract valued at 312 million Euros to Alstom, a leading French multinational manufacturer of rolling stock, for the supply and commissioning of 312 standard gauge metro cars as part of the Delhi Metro Phase IV expansion. The contract encompasses the design and manufacture of 234 metro cars for Line 7 and Line 8 extensions, along with 78 metro cars for the 23.622-kilometer Silver Line between Aerocity and Tughlakabad. Additionally, Alstom agrees to provide 15 years of maintenance for these vehicles. The Metropolis trainsets would be manufactured at Alstom's site in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.[120]
2023	January 30	Partnership	Delhi Metro collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank to introduce a new facility for commuters to recharge their smart cards through mobile phones. This initiative aligns with the government's vision for Digital India and Financial Inclusion. Airtel Payments Bank assures the safety of transactions, storing card and net banking details securely. The recharge process is promised to be fast and convenient, providing commuters with an additional option for topping up their smart cards. The partnership aims to enhance user experience and promote digital and inclusive financial services. This follows DMRC's previous initiatives to facilitate smart card top-ups through various channels and reduce queues at stations.[121]
2023	February 21	Infrastructure	Indian Government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company Bharat Electronics and Delhi Metro jointly launche India's first indigenous Train Control & Supervision System, named i-ATS (Indigenous - Automatic Train Supervision). Developed for operations on Delhi Metro's Red Line (Rithala to Shaheed Sthal), the i-ATS would be extended to other operational and upcoming corridors of Phase - 4 Project. It also introduces preventive maintenance modules for Phase 4 corridors. The technology is adaptable for various rail-based systems, including Indian Railways, and designed to work with different signaling vendor systems with necessary modifications, marking a significant advancement in metro rail operations in India.[122][123]
2023	August 11	Partnership	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation enters into a strategic partnership with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-D), with the purpose to enhance passenger experiences and foster technological innovation in India's metro systems. The partnership involves publishing transit data on the Open Transit Data (OTD) platform in collaboration with IIIT-Delhi, enabling developers and researchers to create applications and services that optimize transportation efficiency. The initiative includes comprehensive data on station specifics, fares, and schedules, promising an elevated and seamless transit experience for passengers through various channels.[124]
2023	August 29	Statistics	The Delhi Metro achieves new record of 6.81 million passengers, surpassing the previous record set in February 2020. The Yellow Line, Blue Line, and Red Line are the busiest, with 1.87 million, 1.8 million, and 735,000 passengers respectively. The increase is attributed to the upcoming festival of Raksha Bandhan. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, operating at around 90% of pre-pandemic levels at this time, averages 5.5-6 million daily riders.[125]
2023	September 13	Partnership	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) collaborate to develop an indigenous communication-based train control (i-CBTC) system. The initiative aims to emphasize innovation, cost reduction, and self-reliance in train control signaling systems. The partnership involves the development and deployment of a prototype i-CBTC product on a designated test track within the DMRC network. Aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative, this effort aims to optimize train operations and enhancing passenger services while fostering indigenization and standardization in metro signaling and train control systems.[126]
2023	September 17	Line extension	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announces the operationalization of the Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector - 25 metro station and an increased speed of 120 kmph on the Airport Express Line. The extension from Dwarka Sector 21 to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 reduces travel time between New Delhi and Dwarka Sector 21 to 19 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first phase of India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) along with the new metro station. The speed increment, achieved through meticulous planning, involves replacing tension clamps and extensive testing, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing travel times.[127]
2023	October 5	Payment service	Delhi Metro Rail Corporation expands its WhatsApp-based ticketing system to cover all lines, including the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and the Gurugram Rapid Metro. Passengers can now purchase metro tickets across the entire network by sending a message with the text 'Hi' to +91 9650855800 on WhatsApp or scanning the QR code. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Meta and their authorized partner Pelocal Fintech Pvt Ltd, aims to simplify the transit experience for commuters and encourage more people to choose the Delhi metro for their travel needs.[128]
2023	October 10	Infrastructure	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation introduces smart lockers at several metro stations in Delhi, as part of its 'Momentum 2.0' app offerings. These lockers are designed to facilitate e-shopping for metro commuters, allowing them to purchase products through the app and have them securely deposited in the lockers. The initiative marks a step towards enhancing convenience and digital services for commuters. The move follows DMRC's earlier announcement of India's first virtual shopping app for metro users, expanding the range of amenities available to passengers.[129]
2023	October 12	Payment service	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation partners with Indian multinational financial technology company Paytm to introduce QR code-based ticketing, digitizing metro commutes for millions of users. Commuters can access mobile QR tickets through the Paytm app's 'Metro' section by specifying the entry and destination stations on the day of travel. The QR codes can be scanned at Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates for entry and exit. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and streamline the metro travel experience for Delhi commuters, allowing various payment options such as Paytm Wallet, Paytm UPI, Paytm UPI Lite, Paytm Postpaid, net-banking, or cards.[130]
2023	December 14	Accident	A 35-year-old woman dies at Inderlok Metro Station. While changing trains, her saree gets entangled in the metro door, causing her to be dragged along the platform for approximately 25 meters before hitting a gate and falling onto the tracks.[131]
2024	February 9	Accident	The collapse of a boundary wall at Gokulpuri Metro station results in the death of a 53-year-old man and injuries to four others. The incident occurs when a portion of the platform wall collapses onto the road below. DMRC suspends two staff members and initiates an investigation, while police files a case of negligence against Metro contractors.[132]
2024	February 15	Partnership	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance academic endeavors and establish a partnership. The collaboration aims to organize studies and research in the field of transportation and logistics, particularly focused on Metro Rail Technology. The partnership seeks to promote research, education, and training while fostering knowledge exchange, innovative solutions, and capacity building across diverse disciplines.[133]

Numerical and visual data

The chart and graph below show average daily ridership/ passenger journey and rolling stock (with airport line and rapid metro).^[134] See sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

* Including Airport Line. DMRC has taken over the operation from the close of business operating hours of 30.06.2013. ** Including Rapid Metro. DMRC has taken over the operation on 22.10.2019 *** Passenger Journey (Passenger Journey calculates a Metro journey in terms of the number of corridors used by a passenger.)

Google Trends

The chart below shows Google Trends data for DMRC (Metro system) from 2004 to March 2024, when the screenshot was taken. Interest is also ranked by country and displayed on world map.^[135]

Wikipedia views

The chart below shows Wikipedia Views data for the English article Delhi metro, from July 2015 until February 2024.^[136]

Meta information on the timeline

How the timeline was built

The initial version of the timeline was written by Sebastián Sánchez.

Funding information for this timeline is available.

Feedback and comments

Feedback for the timeline can be provided at the following places:

• FIXME

What the timeline is still missing

• https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/delhi-metro-partners-uber-for-last-mile-connectivity-575019
• https://www.afaqs.com/news/mktg/nickelodeon-collaborates-with-delhi-metro-to-celebrate-childrens-day
• https://cms.uitp.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/India-Metro-Annexe.pdf
• https://www.financialexpress.com/business/infrastructure/25-years-of-dmrc-how-delhi-metro-has-become-a-lifeline-for-the-national-capital-from-1995-to-2019/1569685/

Timeline update strategy

See also

• Timeline of Bay Area Rapid Transit
• Timeline of pollution in Delhi

External links

References