Delhi Metro plans phase-5 as passenger traffic surges to pre-Covid levels

New route proposal in the back seat, Delhi Metro may focus on raising capacity

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing a phase 5 plan to expand infrastructure capacity as the passenger traffic nearing pre-pandemic level puts the current network under pressure.  

Deliberations are in early stages. DMRC Managing Director (MD) Vikas Kumar told Business Standard the urban transporter may not set up new lines in areas that aren’t part of the current network (till phase 4), and would aim for capacity enhancement instead.

“Phase 5 would mostly entail parallel routes and some routes for last-mile connectivity. Across the world in metro rail, as demand grows, you start establishing parallel routes,” Kumar said.

The plan is