Cabinet Clears Delhi Metro's Rithala-Kundli Corridor, Strengthening NCR Connectivity

Delhi Metro Expands: Red Line Extension to Kundli Approved

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Delhi Metro's Red Line, which will now connect to Kundli in Haryana. This will make Kundli the sixth city in the National Capital Region (NCR) to be linked to the Delhi Metro network, joining Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Bahadurgarh, and Faridabad. The Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor will also be the first metro route connecting Haryana and Uttar Pradesh through Delhi, marking a significant milestone in improving NCR connectivity.

Kundli Joins Delhi Metro Network

• District: Sonipat
• Population: 30,500
• Tier: Tier 3 city
• Connectivity: Narela railway station
• Elevation: 224.15 m (735.40 ft)

Rithala-Narela-Kundli Metro Corridor

The new metro corridor will span 26.5 kilometers and consist of 21 elevated stations. Key stations include Rithala, Rohini Sector 25, Rohini Sector 26, Rohini Sector 31, Rohini Sector 32, Rohini Sector 36, Barwala, Bawana Industrial Area, Narela, and Kundli, among others. This extensive network will connect important areas like Rohini, Narela, and Kundli, significantly improving connectivity for commuters and boosting local economic development.

Cost and Timeline

The total cost of the Rithala-Narela-Kundli metro project is estimated at ₹6,230 crore. The project will be completed over four years by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Delhi. Once completed, it will provide seamless connectivity for residents and businesses across Delhi and Haryana.

Impact on Public Transport

This extension is part of Delhi Metro's larger vision to expand its network across the NCR. The Red Line will now offer direct access to Haryana, following previous expansions to cities like Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Bahadurgarh. With the addition of Kundli, this project will further cement the Delhi Metro’s role in enhancing public transport in the region.

Phase IV Expansions

In addition to the Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor, DMRC is working on multiple other major expansions under Phase IV. These include the extension of the Golden Line from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block and the Green Line from Inderlok to Indraprastha. Three other priority corridors are also under development: Janakpuri West to RK Ashram (Magenta Line), Majlis Park to Maujpur (Pink Line), and Aerocity to Tughlakabad (Golden Line). The Pink Line extension is expected to open by 2025, with the other two corridors likely to be operational by 2026.

Delhi Metro Ridership: A Record-Breaking Milestone

Delhi Metro’s network currently spans 392 kilometers with 288 stations, serving an average of 64 lakh passengers daily. The network recently set a new record for ridership, with 78.67 lakh passenger journeys on November 18 this year. The growing ridership underscores the importance of expanding metro services across Delhi and NCR.

Economic Impact and Future Developments

These metro expansions will not only improve public transport options but also support local economic growth by connecting key areas across the NCR. The development of housing, education, and commercial hubs along these corridors will enhance accessibility and provide better opportunities for residents. As Delhi Metro continues to expand, the improved connectivity will be a key driver of urban growth and mobility in the region.