Metro's Phase 3 corridor ready for launch soon

New Delhi: In a move that will enhance connectivity between south Delhi and Noida, Delhi Metro’s Kalkaji Mandir to Botanical Garden section is ready for commissioning as the trials and testing on the 12.64-km-long section of phase-3 has been completed.

Delhi Metro officials said that the line will be soon thrown open for the public after the safety clearance from the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).

“The mandatory clearances required for inviting the CMRS to inspect, including fire safety clearance, license for working lifts, preliminary independent safety assessment (ISA) reports for signalling and platform screen doors, clearances from the department of telecommunications etc., have been received by DMRC,” a Delhi Metro spokesperson said.  

This section will also be Delhi Metro’s first ever corridor to be operated using the communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology which will facilitate movement of trains with a frequency of 90 to 100 seconds.

With the opening of this section, the people commuting from Noida will get additional connectivity to south Delhi. Currently, they have to change trains at Mandi House (from Blue Line to Violet Line) for travelling to south Delhi areas. However, with this new section, they will be able to travel directly to Kalkaji Mandir and save on valuable travelling time. Botanical Garden has been developed as NCR’s first ever interchange station.

“Once the entire corridor from Botanical Garden till Janakpuri West (38.23 km) is opened, commuters from Noida will be able to go to Gurgaon by changing trains at Hauz Khas. This will help immensely in decongesting Rajiv Chowk, which is currently the interchange point for travellers between Noida and Gurugram,” the spokesperson added.