New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the Rithala-Narela-Nathupur corridor under Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV expansion, marking a significant milestone in improving regional transit within the National Capital Region (NCR). This ambitious project, spanning 26.5 kilometers at an estimated cost of Rs.6,230 crore, is set to be completed in four years.
The corridor is designed to enhance connectivity between Delhi and Haryana while easing commutes across the NCR. It will extend the existing Red Line, which currently connects Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) to Rithala, further linking it to Nathupur. The expansion will feature 21 elevated stations and provide metro access to previously underserved areas, including Narela, Bawana, and Rohini in northwest Delhi.
This new line is expected to strengthen regional connectivity by linking Delhi with Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Nathupur in Haryana, boosting the NCR’s overall transportation network.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time as Delhi heads toward assembly elections early next year, adding a major infrastructure development to the political discourse.
Delhi Metro's Growing Global Standing
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the rapid expansion of metro networks across India, with nearly 1,000 kilometers currently under construction nationwide. Delhi Metro, which spans 299 kilometers over three completed phases, is undergoing a significant upgrade with six new corridors under Phase-IV, some of which are already operational.
“Once Phase-IV is complete, Delhi Metro will rank among the world’s largest metro systems,” Vaishnaw said, underscoring its expanding global stature.
What the New Corridor Brings
Delhi Metro currently operates 12 lines covering approximately 392 kilometers with 288 stations. The Rithala-Narela-Nathupur corridor will become the fourth link connecting Delhi with Haryana, complementing existing routes to Gurgaon, Ballabhgarh, and Bahadurgarh. This extension will not only transform daily commutes but also contribute to the region's socio-economic development by enhancing accessibility and reducing travel times.