Delhi Metro to launch India’s 1st 3-coach corridor on Lajpat Nagar-Saket route
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New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is set to launch India's first metro corridor designed exclusively for three-coach train operations on the upcoming Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block route, officials said on Sunday.
Part of the Phase-IV expansion of the Delhi Metro network, the new corridor will stretch over eight kilometers and will be the second-smallest in the system. According to a DMRC statement, the corridor is aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity while ensuring smooth interchanges with existing lines.
Unlike the existing metro corridors that run trains with four, six, or eight coaches, this new route will feature a three-coach train configuration tailored for short-distance urban travel. This setup is expected to be a more cost-effective and agile transit solution that can deliver improved train frequency and operational efficiency, while still catering to a substantial volume of daily passengers.
The DMRC stated that the decision to opt for shorter trains was based on a realistic evaluation of passenger demand. While longer trains are necessary for high-density routes, the Lajpat Nagar–Saket G Block stretch primarily serves short-distance commuters who require frequent and efficient service. The projected Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) for the route indicates that a three-coach system will offer a comfortable and sufficient travel experience without excess capacity.
The move is also aimed at achieving economic sustainability while upholding high standards of urban transit. Each coach will have a seating and standing capacity of around 300 passengers, bringing the total capacity of each three-coach train to approximately 900 passengers.
The corridor will include eight strategically located stations between Lajpat Nagar and Saket G Block, improving access to key residential and commercial zones. Platforms at all stations have been designed with a length of 74 metres, specifically optimised to accommodate the three-coach trains.
In March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project. Construction work is currently underway, and the corridor is expected to be completed by 2028.
With PTI inputs