Delhi To Welcome India’s First Metrolite System

In a bid to decongest one of the most crowded stretches in north-west Delhi, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is mulling Metrolite corridors in Dwarka Sector 25-Kirti Nagar and Rithala-Narela sections. The DMRC has already completed the feasibility study of the routes and has got the approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for these projects.

What is the Metrolite corridor?

The Metrolite system is basically a compact Metro system with the carrying capacity of 300 passengers. It will have only three coaches and would cost at least 40 per cent less than a regular Metro project. These Metrolite corridors will have a simple fare collection system inside the train and will run on a dedicated corridor, planned along the road, sharing the central space with vehicular traffic, similar to the bus rapid transit corridors in south Delhi which were scrapped due to major traffic hindrance. The Metrolite systems are effective in areas where large scale Metro lines are not required and both selected routes qualify on this parameter. To avoid congestion at the intersections or crossings, the Metrolite will go underground. The DMRC has also planned subways that will connect the pavements on the roadside with its stations to the center.

Specifications of the Metrolite corridor

The planned Metrolite corridor will be 19-kms long and will have 21 stations, of which only five will be elevated. It will pass through the congested areas of Mayapuri, Dabri, Bamnoli and Dhul Siras. This corridor will also be connected to Delhi Metro corridors – the Blue Line and the Green Line. The Rithala-Narela corridor is 21-km long and will be connected to the Red Line as well as the Blue Line. The project cost will be shared by the central and state government.