Delhi Metro has made a major leap in its Phase IV expansion with the successful tunneling breakthrough between Maa Anandmayee Marg and Tughlaqabad Railway Colony stations. The milestone is part of the 23.6-km Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, one of three new lines being developed to ease traffic congestion and improve public transport infrastructure in Delhi.
A Milestone in Metro Expansion
On May 31, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that one of the two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) working on the corridor had successfully completed tunneling a 792-metre-long underground section.
- The TBM began its journey from Maa Anandmayee Marg and completed the stretch to Tughlaqabad Railway Colony station.
- The tunnel is around 18 meters deep and includes 566 concrete rings made using 2,830 segments manufactured at a dedicated casting yard in Mundka.
- The TBM will now be dismantled and brought back for future use or repositioned based on project needs.
- A second TBM working on the return tunnel is expected to complete its bore by July 2025.
This development marks the first major tunneling achievement on this corridor and brings the project significantly closer to its completion timeline.
Inside the Aerocity–Tughlakabad (Golden Line) Corridor
The Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, also known as the Golden Line, is designed to strengthen Delhi’s East–West connectivity. Once complete, it will:
- Span 23.6 km, of which 19.3 km is underground and 4.3 km is elevated.
- Include 15 metro stations, linking areas like Aerocity (near IGI Airport), Vasant Kunj, Saket, IGNOU, and Tughlaqabad.
- Provide interchange with the Violet Line at Tughlaqabad.
- Offer direct metro access to the airport from parts of South and Southeast Delhi.
- Significantly reduce the travel time between the airport and residential zones in Delhi’s interior.
The line is also expected to carry over 2.5 lakh passengers daily, becoming one of the most significant corridors in terms of passenger volume and utility once operational.
Technical Execution and Challenges
DMRC used Earth Pressure Balancing (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machines for this stretch. EPB TBMs are well-suited for Delhi’s varied and unpredictable soil layers. The machines help maintain balance between ground pressure and internal pressure, minimizing surface disturbance and ensuring safe operations in densely populated urban zones.
The concrete segments used for the tunnel lining were cast under stringent quality control at the Mundka facility. Each segment fits together to form a ring, giving the tunnel strength and resistance against ground pressure and moisture intrusion.
Impact on Delhi’s Metro Network
The Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor is not just a connectivity project—it’s a strategic step in the evolution of Delhi’s mass transit system.
- Reduces congestion on the existing Magenta and Yellow Lines by offering alternate East-West routes.
- Improves airport connectivity for residents of areas like Saket, Vasant Kunj, and IGNOU.
- Enhances the metro’s ability to serve as a substitute for private transport in high-traffic zones of Delhi.
- Brings metro access to underserved localities in South Delhi.
Once Phase IV is complete, the Delhi Metro will add 65 kilometers to its existing network, further cementing its role as one of the largest and most efficient urban transit systems in the world.
What’s the Broader Progress on Phase IV?
The tunnel breakthrough is part of the larger Phase IV expansion that includes:
- Aerocity–Tughlakabad Corridor (Golden Line) – Expected completion by mid-2026
- Janakpuri West–RK Ashram Corridor (Magenta Line extension)
- Majlis Park–Maujpur Corridor (Pink Line extension)
All three corridors are under active construction and are aimed at connecting outer Delhi with core city zones more efficiently. The Pink and Magenta Line extensions are expected to be completed by 2025, while the Golden Line will follow in 2026.
Voices from the Field
DMRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Vikas Kumar, praised the efforts of engineers and workers for meeting construction targets despite earlier delays due to COVID and logistical issues.
“This milestone is a testament to the commitment of our teams to deliver modern and reliable transit infrastructure for Delhi. The tunneling involved several engineering challenges which were overcome with technology and teamwork,” he stated.
Urban transport experts also view this development as a sign that Delhi’s infrastructure roadmap is regaining momentum after pandemic-induced slowdowns.
What Commuters Can Expect
Once operational, commuters from areas like Vasant Kunj, Saket, and IGNOU will be able to:
- Reach IGI Airport without long detours or multiple interchanges.
- Enjoy more balanced passenger loads across lines.
- Access new stations that are likely to be integrated with feeder buses, rickshaws, and other last-mile services.
Looking Ahead: A More Connected Capital on the Horizon
Delhi Metro’s tunneling milestone on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor is more than just a technical achievement—it signals a transformative step toward a smarter, faster, and more inclusive urban transit system. As Delhi’s Phase IV projects continue to move forward, commuters can look forward to shorter travel times, improved airport access, and reduced road congestion. For a city constantly on the move, these infrastructure upgrades are not just desirable—they’re essential.
FAQs
Q1. What is the significance of the tunnel breakthrough on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor?
The breakthrough marks a major milestone in Delhi Metro’s Phase IV. It completes the boring of a critical underground stretch between Maa Anandmayee Marg and Tughlaqabad Railway Colony, accelerating the overall progress of the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor.
Q2. How long is the tunnel that was completed?
The tunnel is 792 meters long and was constructed using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that created 566 rings with over 2,800 concrete segments.
Q3. When will the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor be fully operational?
The Golden Line is expected to be operational by mid-2026, with work progressing steadily on underground and elevated stretches.
Q4. What areas will benefit most from this corridor?
Residents of South and Southeast Delhi, including Vasant Kunj, Saket, IGNOU, and Tughlaqabad, will gain direct connectivity to the airport and improved East–West travel options.
Q5. Will this line connect with other metro lines?
Yes, the Golden Line will provide an interchange with the Violet Line at Tughlaqabad, improving network integration and passenger convenience.
Q6. What kind of TBM was used, and why?
An Earth Pressure Balancing (EPB) TBM was used for safe and efficient tunneling through Delhi’s varied soil conditions, minimizing surface disruption and ensuring structural safety.
Q7. What is Phase IV of Delhi Metro, and what does it include?
Phase IV includes three major corridors:
- Aerocity–Tughlakabad (Golden Line)
- Janakpuri West–RK Ashram (Magenta Line Extension)
- Majlis Park–Maujpur (Pink Line Extension)
It will add 65 km of new lines to the existing network.