Metro stations will have pickup and drop points underground in phase 4

You will have to go under the road to pick up or drop someone at the Metro stations part of the phase IV of network.

The pickup point in the underground Metro stations of phase IV will be one level below the ground, to avoid congestion on the road. Since most of the Metro stations face problem of overcrowding at the gate, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has proposed to provide Multi Modal Integration underground.

“In phase IV we are contemplating this. Since the space is not available on the street, all our underground stations will have one more level. Today we have two level stations, but in phase-IV we will try to have three levels so that one level can be used for traffic,” DMRC managing director Mangu Singh said.

Of the 103.9-km network proposed in phase-IV, about 35. 92 km will be underground. Seventynine stations are planned in phase IV of which 28 will be underground, where this facility will be available. By taking the Metro-bound traffic underground, the DMRC will reduce congestion on the road and commuters get dedicated space for public transport.

“We will provide ramps for taxis, two-wheelers and other vehicles. Today, you have to come out on the road to get a taxi but in phase IV, we will provide that facility inside the station as the city has got space constraints,” Singh said.

When it is completed in 2022, the length of the Metro network in Delhi will be 434 kilometres with 308 stations. The daily ridership on Delhi Metro trains is likely to go up to 63 lakh from the current 28 lakh.

“Underground is costly but since we are already constructing a station and will be digging for that, it will not cost that much. We will just need to go 15-20 metre deeper,” Singh said.

At the first level of the underground station, there will be a lane for pedestrians and cyclists, corridor for non-motorised vehicles and space for bus stops and a lane for drop-off vehicles. After that passenger will enter the Metro premises and after crossing the concourse level, the third level will have platforms.

As per DMRC, passenger movement from the station to their respective destination is generally through walk, bicycle, scooter, taxi or feeder bus.

In phase III, pedestrian zones are being created around stations for easy and safe dispersion of commuters towards the bus stops, non-motorised vehicle lanes, cycle stands and bays for three-wheelers, e-rickshaws and feeder buses. DMRC aims to take it a step ahead in phase IV.

Delhi Metro has proposed six lines in phase IV. The lines, in addition with the 140 km of Metro network added in phase III, are expected to free up traffic bottlenecks in the congested central and south parts of the city and help passengers from outer Delhi.