As the Delhi government finalizes the revised budget for the 2024-25 financial year, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has written to the Chief Secretary requesting INR 7,200 crore to meet various commitments. These include ensuring the timely completion of new corridors under Phase-IV and settling outstanding payments to contractors for the Phase-III expansion. In the letter, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar stated that if the necessary funds were not provided on time, it could result in delays in Phase-IV execution, leading to cost overruns.

As part of Delhi Metro's Phase-IV expansion, the construction of three priority corridors - RK Ashram to Janakpuri (West), Aerocity to Tughlaqabad, and Mukundpur to Maujpur is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by 2026. Additionally, approval for two more lines, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha, was granted earlier this year. DMRC is also planning to construct another corridor, Rithala to Nathupur, under Phase-IV, although it is still awaiting the necessary approvals from both the central and Delhi governments.

In his letter, the DMRC Managing Director stated that the three priority corridors, covering a total route length of approximately 62 km, were being developed at an estimated cost of INR 24,948.6 crore. He emphasized that a regular flow of funds was essential to meet the project deadlines, in addition to the funds required for the other three corridors spanning over 47 km. He requested the Chief Secretary's intervention to ensure the timely release of the necessary funds, which were critical for the successful completion of the Phase-IV project and for meeting its financial obligations. He warned that if the funds were not provided on time, it would lead to delays in Phase-IV execution and result in cost overruns.

The Delhi government had no immediate comment on the matter. Last month, as the government began preparing the revised budget estimates, DMRC's finance director had also written to the transport secretary requesting funds for the continuous construction of various metro lines to meet other financial commitments. The government is expected to request supplementary grants based on the revised estimates during the assembly session starting on November 29. While DMRC had requested INR 1,772.9 crore in the 2024-25 budget, the Delhi government allocated only INR 500 crore under the capital expenditure account, which was subsequently released to Delhi Metro.

Kumar has also called on the Delhi government to urgently release INR 376 crore to the Public Works Department (PWD), which is building three distinctive double-decker viaducts, with metro trains operating on the upper deck and vehicles on the lower deck. The viaduct between Sangam Vihar and Ambedkar Nagar stations on the Aerocity-Tughlaqabad corridor spans 2.4 km, while the double-decker viaduct between Azadpur and the Rani Jhansi Road intersection will be approximately 2.2 km long, and the one between Bhajanpura and Yamuna Vihar will be around 1.4 km. Kumar emphasized that the PWD's payment is tied to Phase-IV construction and should be released without delay.

DMRC has completed the construction of all corridors and extensions under Phase-III, covering a total of 160 km. The corporation has now requested approximately INR 725 crore to fulfill the "balance contractual requirements." Additionally, DMRC has sought funds for the repayment of the JICA loan, which was taken as external assistance for the construction of Phases I, II, and III, covering the period from September 2021 to March 2025. The Delhi government's share towards foreign exchange variation on this loan is another component for which DMRC has requested allocation in the revised budget estimates. In a letter, DMRC urged that the funds requested under the revised budget estimates for the Phase-IV project, including the remaining three corridors, the increased completion cost of Phase-III, and the long-delayed reimbursement for operating losses, be sanctioned. The letter also requested that, if necessary, approval from the Delhi Cabinet be obtained to ensure smooth release of the funds to DMRC.

In conclusion, the timely release of funds for Delhi Metro's Phase-IV expansion and Phase-III completion is crucial to avoid delays and cost overruns. DMRC's request for INR 7,200 crore highlights the financial pressure on the project, including the ongoing construction of priority corridors and the need to settle outstanding payments. Additionally, funding for the Public Works Department's double-decker viaducts and the repayment of external loans is essential for smooth project execution. As the Delhi government prepares its revised budget, DMRC urges swift approval and release of the necessary funds to ensure the successful completion of these vital infrastructure projects.