News Brief
Arjun Brij
Apr 07, 2025, 12:03 PM | Updated 12:03 PM IST
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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is set to introduce India’s first three-coach train corridor on the upcoming Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block stretch, part of the Phase IV expansion, TOI reported.
Spanning 8 km and featuring eight stations, this innovative corridor will cater specifically to short-distance urban travel.
“This innovative 3-coach system has been developed to cater specifically to short-distance urban travel. The smaller train configuration will provide a cost-effective and agile solution, ensuring better frequency and operational efficiency while accommodating a substantial number of daily commuters,” said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director of corporate communications at DMRC.
The new corridor, an extension of the Golden Line, will traverse key residential and commercial zones of South Delhi — Lajpat Nagar, Andrews Ganj, GK-1, Chirag Dilli, Pushpa Bhawan, Saket Court, Pushp Vihar, and Saket G Block.
Crucially, Lajpat Nagar will become a triple interchange station, connecting with the Pink and Violet Lines. Chirag Dilli will link with the Magenta Line, and Saket G Block will offer interchange to the airport corridor, strengthening last-mile connectivity across the capital.
With an anticipated daily ridership of 60,000 to 80,000 passengers in 2025, the corridor is expected to exceed 1.20 lakh passengers per day by 2041, supported by frequency enhancements.
Each coach will accommodate approximately 300 passengers, meaning a three-coach train can ferry up to 900 people per trip.
“The corridor's peak hour peak direction traffic (PHPDT) estimates indicate a manageable load, ensuring a comfortable travel experience without overcapacity. Shorter trains mean quicker turnaround times, allowing for a highly efficient frequency cycle. As passenger numbers increase, train frequency can be gradually adjusted, ensuring that travel remains smooth, predictable, and congestion-free,” Dayal added.
The three-coach system is also being praised for its environmental and financial sustainability. A smaller train format means lower energy consumption per trip, making it an environmentally responsible and financially prudent decision, said Dayal.
Under Phase IV, DMRC is constructing three new corridors totalling 65 km: Janakpuri West to RK Ashram, Majlis Park to Maujpur, and Aerocity to Tughlakabad. The Majlis Park–Maujpur (Pink Line extension) is expected by 2025, with the Golden Line and Magenta Line extension due by 2026.
Arjun Brij is an Editorial Associate at Swarajya. He tweets at @arjun_brij