The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Metro’s airport link sets a new trend

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Thursday, Jan 08, 2009
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New Delhi

Delhi Metro’s airport link sets a new trend

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

It has inspired Bangalore and Hyderabad to replicate the concept
The airport link is scheduled for an October 2010 opening

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Link, which will have trains zipping at a speed of 135 km an hour, has inspired Bangalore and Hyderabad to replicate the concept. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has submitted the detailed project reports for both the States hoping to have similar links.

“It is for the first time in this country that the metro will be running at a high speed of 135 km. The airport link has set a trend and we have been drafting the DPRs for other States wishing to have similar links,” said DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal. The airport link, which is scheduled for an October 2010 opening, will have a total of six stations along the entire line.

“Civil work is 75-80 per cent complete and four tunnel boring machines will be used on the stretch. The first two will be used at New Delhi railway station and will be launched by the end of July. Work has also started in all the stations,” said Mr. Dayal.

Starting from the New Delhi railway station, the line will pass through Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan and National Highway-8 and reach the airport and from thereon it will go to Dwarka Sector 21.

“There will be five underground stations at New Delhi railway station, Shivaji Stadium, NH-8, IGI Airport and Dwarka Sector 21. Only the Dhaula Kuan station will be elevated. Baggage check-in facility will be allowed at New Delhi railway station and Shivaji Stadium,” said Mr. Dayal.

While civil work is being done by DMRC, the rolling stock, signalling, telecom and track laying work is being done by Reliance Consortium, which includes Reliance Energy and CAF.

“The fares along this line will also be decided by the consortium, though tentatively it is Rs.150 from New Delhi to IGI Airport and Rs.180 till Dwarka. Parking facilities will be available at Shivaji Stadium and New Delhi station,” the spokesperson said. “The Dwarka Sector 21 station will be the terminal station for Line 3 well as the Airport Express Link,” he added.

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