The Delhi Metro is an integral transportation system servicing the city of Delhi along with its neighboring districts. Governed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) – a state subsidiary overseen by both central and regional governments – the metro extends across a total of 296.1 kilometers (184 miles). The system comprises 214 stations, divided amongst eight different lines. Additionally, there is an integrated line called the Airport Express, providing direct connectivity to the airport. The metro’s inauguration was on December 24, 2002, with the launch of the Red Line, and it has been expanding continuously since, making it the second-largest metro system in India. The metro runs from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with ticket prices starting from 10 rupees (approximately $US 0.14).
The system caters to an impressive number of 1,500,000 passengers each day. The fares are set at 0.12. Regrettably, a 24-hour operation is not in place, but the upside is that it has air conditioning. Walking between platforms is possible and the trains are not driverless.
The platforms are not equipped with screen doors. The operation is handled by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC). Operating hours are from 6:00 to 23:00 from Monday to Sunday. The fares range from Rs. 8.00 to Rs. 50.00.
More information can be found on the Delhi Metro Official Website. They can also be reached at +91 23417910/12.
Delhi: The Indian Metropolis
The capital of India, New Delhi, is part of the broader National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) and is a key city in the country. Located in the north central part of India, the city is home to around 12 million people, making it the second most populous city in the nation. Including its broader urban area, the population reaches 26 million. The total area of the city spans 1484 square kilometers (573 square miles).
The city is renowned for its myriad traditional structures, leading to its candidacy for UNESCO’s World Heritage City in 2014.
Delhi experiences a hot climate with average summer temperatures reaching 39°C (89.6°F) and winter temperatures peaking at 8°C (46.4°F).
Metro System in Detail
The Delhi Metro spans 296.1 kilometers (184 miles), covering extensive parts of the city and surrounding areas. The system was officially inaugurated on December 24, 2002, with the first phase comprising the Red Line with six stations.
Over the years, the metro system has significantly expanded its coverage and evolved into one of the country’s most important metro networks. The types and models of the trains have been modified and upgraded with each phase of expansion. Hyundai Rotem, a company specializing in rail manufacturing, supplied the vehicles for Phase 1. However, subsequent phases incorporated vehicles from the Canadian company, Bombardier.
The public company Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) operates the system, with an estimated annual ridership of 1 billion.
- Name: Delhi Metro
- Total Length: 296.1 kilometers (184 miles)
- Rail Gauge: 1,435 mm (4.71 ft)
- Number of Lines: 8
- Number of Stations: 214
- Maximum Speed: 72 km/h (44.7 mph)
- Website: www.delhimetrorail.com
- Operator: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC)
- Daily Ridership: 2,760,000
- Inaugurated: December 24, 2002
A Brief History
The origins of Delhi’s public transportation can be traced back to 1969 when the government conducted a study highlighting the city’s need for a railway system. However, it was only in 1984 that the Urban Arts Commission proposed an integrated transportation system, including underground sections. Even so, it took another 12 years before the actual construction of the metro began. On May 3, 1995, the government established the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the mandate to revolutionize the city’s declining transportation system.
With the renewed interest from the state and private investors, plans for a subway capable of accommodating Delhi’s massive population were revived. This led to the commencement of the metro construction in 1998, culminating in the inauguration of the service on December 24, 2002.
Lines and Stations
The Delhi Metro comprises a total of eight lines, with the initial six established during Phases I and II and the remaining two during Phases III and IV. The Orange Line, also known as the Airport Express Line, is a prominent feature of the initial two phases, offering a direct route to the airport. The entire system includes 214 stations, strategically located within the city and some of its adjoining areas.
Red Line
The Red Line primarily runs in an east-west direction, deviating in the northeast of the city, where it runs diagonally. This line includes 21 stations, with terminal stops at Dishad Garden and Rithala. The Red Line spans 25.1 kilometers (15.6 miles) underground and is recognized by its red color.
Yellow Line
Stretching 45 kilometers (28 miles) from north to south across the city, the Yellow Line is among the longest and most extensive lines of the system. It includes 34 stops, with terminal stations at Jahangirpuri and HUDA City Center in the neighboring city of Gurgaon. The line is distinguished by its yellow color.
Blue Line
The Blue Line, the system’s first line, was designed to connect the city’s interior with the outskirts. Covering 56.6 kilometers (35.2 miles) across the city’s east-west corridor, the line splits in the far east into north and south branches. It consists of 50 stations, with terminal stops at Dwarka Sector and Noida. Its distinguishing color is blue.
Green Line
The Green Line, one of the shortest lines in the Delhi Metro, runs for just 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) through the city’s east-west corridor. It comprises 18 stations, with terminal stops at Inderlok and Ashok Park Main station. The line’s distinguishing color is green.
Violet Line
The Violet Line runs along the east-west corridor of the city, forming a diagonal curve. The 20-kilometer (12.4 miles) line consists of 16 stations, with terminal stations at Central Secretariat and Badarpur. It started operating in 2010.
Orange Line/Airport Express Line
The Orange Line provides a direct connection to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Covering a total length of 22.7 kilometers (14.1 miles), the line begins at the Dwarka Sector 21 station. Since it doesn’t have any intermediate stops, it can reach speeds of 135 km/hr (83.9 mi/hr), which is significantly higher than other lines, which operate at speeds of 80 km/h (49.8 mi/hr). The distinguishing color for this line is orange.
Magenta Line
Opened on December 25, 2017, the Magenta Line was the first to be launched during the system’s third phase. This underground line consists of 25 stations spanning 28.92 kilometers (18 miles) from Janakpuri West to Botanic Garden station. It provides a direct connection to the Airport Express Line and is identified by the color magenta.
Pink Line
The Pink Line is the newest line in the system. Inaugurated on March 14, 2018, as part of the third phase, the first section runs from Majlis Park to Lajpat Nagar station, covering a total of 12.54 kilometers (7.8 miles). It consists of 38 stations and stretches from Majilis Park to Shiv Vihar.
Connections to Other Systems
The DMRC has strategically designed the Delhi transportation system to facilitate access to non-metro sites through buses. The city operates 12 bus lines, with 30 routes authorized by the state subsidiary and additional private transportation routes.
Each of the state-operated vehicles can accommodate a total of 27 passengers, with seating available for 18. There are 149 of these buses in service throughout central Delhi and its surrounding areas. The service runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes between stops, depending on traffic conditions.
Bus fares on the DMRC line vary according to the distance traveled. The basic fare for a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) route is 5 rupees ($US 0.07), increasing to 10 rupees ($US 0.14) for distances between 4 (2.5) and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and 15 rupees ($US 0.21) for distances exceeding 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Other private interurban transportation options, such as auto-rickshaws, are also popular. These motorized tricycles, available for hire in various city locations, especially near metro stations, provide a convenient alternative to dealing with traffic.
Airport Connections
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 16 kilometers from Delhi’s center, serves as one of the main air terminals in the region and the primary global gateway for the country. The airport, with a capacity to handle 12.5 million passengers daily, caters to approximately 7.15 million travelers each day.
While there are private companies operating bus routes from the airport to the city, the primary connection is the Airport Express metro line, also known as the Orange Line. The line extends 22.7 kilometers (14.1 miles), of which 15.7 kilometers (9.8 miles) is underground, with the remaining section elevated.
The route is elevated from its starting point at Buddha Jayanti Park station to Mahipalpur station, after which it runs underground.
The Airport Express Line connects with several transportation systems, offering passengers various transfer options. A transfer can be made from New Delhi station to India’s main interstate railway stop or to the metro’s Yellow Line. The Dhaula Kuan stop provides a direct connection to the Pink Line. The Delhi Aerocity station connects to Terminal 1 of the bus system, and lastly, the Dwarka Sector 21 stop connects to the Blue Line.
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Delhi Metro operates continuously from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with slight variations according to the day of the week. On average, trains arrive at each stop every 8 minutes, although this can vary depending on the time of day.
Red Line
The first train departs from Dilshad Garden station at 5:45 a.m. and the last train arrives at Rithala station at 11:20 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, trains operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. Trains typically arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 13 minutes during non-peak times, weekends, and holidays.
Yellow Line
The first train leaves Samaypur Badli station at 5:50 a.m. and the last train arrives at Huda City Center station at 11:13 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, trains operate from 6:05 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Trains arrive every 4 minutes during peak hours and every 8 minutes during non-peak hours, with a frequency of every 11 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Blue Line
The first train departs from Noida City Center station at 5:40 a.m. and the last train arrives at 11:20 p.m. at Vaishali stop. On weekends, the departure schedule remains the same, but service ends at 11:00 p.m. This line maintains a 3-minute frequency during peak hours and around 8 minutes during non-peak hours. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it typically runs every 12 to 13 minutes.
Green Line
The Green Line starts service at 6:05 a.m., with the first train departing from Inderlok station. The last train arrives at Kirti Nagar stop at 11:00 p.m. The schedule is the same for weekends and holidays. Trains arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 13 minutes during non-peak hours, weekends, and holidays.
Violet Line
The first train departs from Kashmere Gate station at 6:00 a.m., and the last train reaches Escorts Mujesar station at 11:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, service runs from 6:10 a.m. to 10:40 p.m. Trains typically arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during non-peak hours. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the frequency reduces to every 12 to 13 minutes.
Orange Line
The Orange Line runs from 5:50 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. This line has the longest wait between stops, with trains arriving every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 18 to 20 minutes during non-peak hours.
Magenta Line
The first train departs from Botanical Garden station at 6:00 a.m., and the last train arrives at Janakpuri West station at 11:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, service runs from 6:10 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. Trains typically arrive every 6 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during non-peak hours. On weekends and holidays, the frequency reduces to every 12 minutes.
Pink Line
The Pink Line runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Trains arrive every 7 minutes during peak hours and every 13 minutes during non-peak hours.
Fares, Tickets and Cards
The Delhi Metro features a varied and entirely automated ticketing and fare system. Prices are determined based on the distance travelled, duration within the system, and ticket type. The minimum fare for a single journey is 10 rupees ($US 0.14), increasing by 10 units for every two consecutive stations. Interestingly, during weekends and holidays, fares are discounted by 10 units.
Although the DMRC sets ticket prices, fares vary across transportation systems controlled by the subsidiary, with subway prices being slightly higher.
Below are the different ticket types and their respective price variations:
Tokens: These are the simplest form of payment in the Delhi Metro. They can be purchased for 10 rupees ($US 0.14) and are valid for one day only. Tokens can be bought from ticket vending machines or customer care centers at each station. Passengers can request a refund if the token is unused within 60 minutes of purchase. Each token is valid for 170 minutes. A penalty of 10 rupees ($US 0.14) will be charged if the stipulated time limit is exceeded.
Travel and Smart Trip Cards: These are recommended for frequent users of the metro. The cost is 150 rupees ($US 2.14), which includes a refundable deposit of 50 rupees ($US 0.71). These cards can be recharged at various locations with a minimum amount of 200 rupees ($US 2.85).
Compared to individual tickets, travel cards offer a 10% discount on each journey. Choosing these cards over tokens can save considerable time, given that token purchase queues can be long. Moreover, travel cards allow unrestricted travel within the system, regardless of the destination or origin.
Smart Cards are transferable as they are not personalized. However, they can only be used by one person once activated at any of the stations. These cards can be recharged at customer service centers, ticket vending machines, authorized outlets, and online.
Tourist Cards: These are designed specifically for short-term visitors to the city. Two options are available: a 1-day tourist card and a 3-day tourist card, both offering unlimited travel on any of the metro lines. The 1-day pass costs 200 rupees ($US 2.85), and the 3-day pass costs 500 rupees ($US 7.13).
Future Expansions
The Delhi Metro is continually expanding. As part of Phase IV, the Pink and Magenta lines are being extended and are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018. Furthermore, the Moss Green Line is projected to be completed by 2022, along with the extension of the Red Line by more than 100 kilometers (62.1 miles).
With several projects already underway, transportation officials are considering the initiation of Phase V once Phase IV is completed.
Tips
- Given that the Delhi Metro is one of Asia’s busiest metros, it is advisable to stay alert while using the system and keep a close eye on personal belongings to avoid theft.
- Penalties apply if the designated time within the system is exceeded or if journeys are made not corresponding to the ticket type. It’s therefore necessary to thoroughly understand the terms of each ticket type and adhere to them.
- Ensure that tickets are purchased and recharged only at officially designated sites.
- The standard written languages for the Delhi Metro are English and Hindi. It is recommended to have a basic understanding of both languages.
Interesting Facts
- Ticket prices are reduced by 10 units on holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- There are no reduced fares for children, students, or the elderly.
- Children below 90 centimeters (35.4 inches) can travel for free.
- Almost every station has parking facilities for bicycles and vehicles.
- The Delhi Metro is the only metro in southern Asia that features a museum detailing the system’s entire history, located near other major city museums, such as the National and Parliament Museum.
Sightseeing via the Delhi Metro
Delhi, one of India’s most diverse cities, offers a rich architectural tapestry and a unique blend of people, creating a truly fascinating experience. In mere minutes, one can traverse bustling, modern spaces, cosmopolitan vistas, and tranquil spots housing majestic temples dedicated to serenity and spirituality. The following are some of the metro-accessible and characteristic places in Delhi:
Deer Park: One of the city’s most beautiful natural spaces, offering a respite from the bustling city. Among its many maple trees, the park features walking paths, artificial lakes, and an abundance of greenery. The park is a short walk from the Magenta Line’s R.K. Puram station.
Central Park: Known for its vast array of trees and covering over 41,500 square meters (446,702 square feet), it’s one of Delhi’s most well-known parks. Its flowering plants and water bodies, including a waterfall, beautify the park year-round. The park also has an amphitheater which hosts small cultural events. To reach Central Park, take the Blue or Yellow Line to Rajiv Chowk station.
Tibet House: One of the city’s most modern and architecturally valuable buildings, serving as a cultural center and a space for artistic development. It houses a permanent exhibition of Tibet’s heritage and traditions. Tibet House is a short walk from the Purple Line’s Khan Market station.
Delhi Metro Map
