New Metro Rail Boost for Delhi-NCR and Strategic Partnerships with Bhutan, UAE Approved by Cabinet: In a recent Cabinet briefing on March 13, Minister Anurag Thakur announced significant decisions aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and fostering international cooperation.
The government has greenlit the construction of two new Metro rail corridors in the Delhi-NCR region. These corridors will connect Lajpat Nagar to G Block in Saket and Inderlok to Indraprastha, spanning a total length of approximately 20 kilometers. The Delhi Metro Phase-IV project, encompassing these two corridors, is estimated to cost Rs 8,399 crore.
The first corridor will span about 8.4 kilometers from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, featuring eight stations. The second corridor, stretching around 12.4 kilometers from Inderlok to Indraprastha, is slated for completion by March 2029.
This approval comes just ahead of the announcement of dates for the Lok Sabha elections, indicating the government's commitment to infrastructure development.
Additionally, the Cabinet has given the green light to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bhutan for the general supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL), and related products.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to bolster cooperation for the empowerment and operation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the Ports, Maritime, and Logistics sectors, and explore opportunities for joint investment and collaboration.
Another significant development is the MoU between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the field of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Measures. Under this MoU, India will assist Bhutan in enhancing energy efficiency in the household sector by promoting the star labeling program developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. Moreover, India will facilitate the formulation of building codes tailored to Bhutan's climate conditions and institutionalize the training of energy auditors to create a pool of energy professionals in Bhutan.
These decisions reflect the government's commitment to infrastructure development, regional cooperation, and sustainable energy practices.
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