The design of the Delhi metro as also its operations, is on lines with Hong Kong's metro system. Currently Delhi Metro is just at its primary stage. We would actually enjoy its complete advantage and benefits only by the year 2021. This is the year that the whole of Delhi is slated to be connected, through the metro rail network. It would then be covering a distance of almost 400 kms. Every corner of Delhi would be connected either by metro rail or its feeder bus service.

Delhites are unlikely to forget the historic day of December 25, 2002, when Delhi's public transport system gained a new impetus. This was the day, the first phase of the Delhi Metro was launched. The Metro has provided much needed relief to Delhites, not only from traffic jams but also from the anarchy of blue line buses and autos/taxies.

In just a couple of years Metro's 3 line network has reached up to 65 kms, connecting 59 stations. This system of public transport has reduced commuter woes and Delhites are proud to be privileged with such a world class transport system. This is evident in the increasing number of metro passengers every day.

What sets Delhi Metro apart, from other forms of transport in India, is that it is based on the model of Hong Kong's metro from the design to its operation. Says DMRC's Chief PRO, Anuj Dayal, this is just the beginning and the best is yet to come. He says if we continue to work with the same speed that we have maintained so far; according to our Master Plan the whole of Delhi would be connected by the metro network, by the year 2021. Delhites are already enjoying the Metro ride and very soon even residents of NCR are going to enjoy this facility.

In the second phase of the metro, which is slated to be completed in the year 2011; the Metro would reach Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh as also Gurgaon in Haryana. It would touch Ghaziabad at Kaushambi, going via Anand Vihar bus terminal. While it would reach the city centre of sector 32 in Noida, going via Mayur Vihar Phase I and Ashok Nagar areas of Dehi. The Gurgaon line would be through Hauz Khas and Chattarpur area reaching Sushant Lok in Gurgaon. This is the scenario for NCR.

In Delhi too, many more places would get connected after the completion of phase-II of the Metro. The university line would be expanded up to Jahangir puri, whilst the Dwarka, Sector 9 line would go up to Dwarka, Sector 21. Moreover a metro ride till the areas of Badarpur and Mundka would also be possible after completion of this phase.

By 2011 the metro track's total length would be 185 kms and it is expected that by then about 29 lakh 77 thousand passengers would be using the metro on a daily basis, to reach their destination.

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