New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has commenced construction of the 12.3-kilometre Inderlok–Indraprastha corridor, a major expansion project that is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Outer Delhi and key locations in Central Delhi. The new stretch will form a fully underground extension of the Magenta Line (Line-8), linking commuters to important destinations such as ITO, New Delhi, and Indraprastha.
The construction work was formally inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday. Officials said the first phase of the project has begun with the construction of a diaphragm wall at the upcoming Sarai Rohilla Metro station, marking the start of civil works on the corridor.
The underground route will feature 10 stations, Inderlok, Daya Basti, Sarai Rohilla, Ajmal Khan Park, Jhandewalan Temple, Nabi Karim, New Delhi, Delhi Gate, Delhi Sachivalaya-IG Stadium, and Indraprastha.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gupta described the continued expansion of the Metro network as a significant step towards providing residents with safe, fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly public transportation.
According to DMRC officials, once the corridor becomes operational, the Magenta Line will extend to nearly 89 kilometres, making it the longest line in the Delhi Metro network. It will also have the highest number of underground and interchange stations, enabling faster and more seamless travel across the national capital.
The corridor will provide interchange facilities with the Red and Green Lines at Inderlok, the existing Magenta Line at Nabi Karim, the Yellow Line and Airport Express at New Delhi, the Violet Line at Delhi Gate, and the Blue Line at Indraprastha.
Officials added that the project will improve access to several major landmarks and transport hubs, including Sarai Rohilla Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, Delhi Sachivalaya, Jhandewalan Temple, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, India Gate, Kartavya Path, the National War Memorial, and the Central Vista area.
The Inderlok–Indraprastha corridor received Union Cabinet approval in March 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone the same month. It is one of the three non-priority corridors under Delhi Metro’s Phase IV expansion. While construction on the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block corridor began last month, work on the Rithala-Kundli corridor is yet to commence despite receiving Cabinet approval in December 2024. The project is expected to strengthen Delhi’s public transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the city.
