Delhi Metro Overview

• Expected to become one of the world's most heavily used rapid transit systems.
• Currently one of the world's largest rapid transit systems based on various metrics:
  • Length
  • Number of stations
  • Ridership
• Despite its size, the Delhi Metro is underappreciated.

Geographic Context

• Multi-jurisdictional city region:
  • Delhi and surrounding cities (Noida, Gurugram, Meerut) are not a single political unit.
  • Deeply connected economically as part of the National Capital Region.
• Key geographic features:
  • Yamuna River bisects the city.
  • Government precinct lies to the west of the river.
  • Major transport hubs include New Delhi Station, Delhi Junction, and Nizamuddin.
  • Indira Gandhi International Airport is located southwest of Delhi Ridge.

Metro System Characteristics

• Current Stats:
  • 400 kilometers of track.
  • Nearly 300 stations (more under construction).
  • 9 lines operational with connections to two more.
• Ridership:
  • Pre-COVID ridership was over 5 million per day; potential to exceed 10 million with expansions.
• Fares:
  • Distance-based starting at around $0.10 USD, pricing many residents out.
• Future infrastructure developments likely to improve ridership post-pandemic.

Modern Features

• Modern amenities:
  • Air-conditioned trains with built-in chargers.
  • Clean, well-maintained stations with fare gates and smart cards.
• Higher than normal top speed of 100 km/h facilitates longer distances between stations.
• Incorporates rooftop solar power arrays at many stations.

Line Details

Phase One

• Red Line:
  • Opened in 2002, 35 km long with 29 stations.
  • Runs mostly above ground, with parts at grade near mainline rail tracks.
• Yellow Line:
  • 49 km long with 37 stations; connects at Kashmir Gate.
  • Comprises elevated and underground segments.
• Blue Line:
  • Longest line at 65 km with 57 stations.
  • Mix of underground in the core and elevated sections.

Phase Two

• Introduced three new lines: Green, Violet, and Orange.
• Green Line:
  • 30 km long, unusual design with reverse branches.
  • Entirely elevated.
• Violet Line:
  • North-South line with connections at major interchanges.
• Orange Line:
  • Airport Express line, 23 km long, operates at 130 km/h.
  • Top features include in-town check-in and platform screen doors.

Newer Lines

• Magenta Line:
  • 37 km long, first automated line in India.
  • Connects to IGI Airport (Terminal 1).
• Pink Line:
  • 59 km long, forms a near-complete loop around the city.
  • Connects to all previous lines, but has some long transfer distances.
• Gray Line:
  • Shortest at 5 km with 4 stations.

Adjacent Metro Lines

• Noida Metro Aqua Line:
  • 30 km long, 21 stations, connected to Delhi Metro.
• Rapid Metro Gurugram:
  • 13 km long, features a unique unidirectional loop.

Future Developments

• Continued expansions planned:
  • Magenta and Pink lines to be completed into loops.
  • New Silver Line in construction and extensions of existing lines.

Conclusion

• Delhi Metro is a modern, influential metropolitan system:
  • Air conditioning, accessibility, solar power integration.
  • Good wayfinding in multiple languages.
• Despite transfer challenges, it stands out globally and continues to grow.