Metro’s Red Line corridor to get a makeover soon

NEW DELHI: The oldest corridor of Delhi Metro, Red Line which consists 21 metro stations, will soon get a makeover as the entire corriode is running in a bad shape. With seepage-damaged walls, broken tiles, stairs smudged with paan stains and plaster peeled from the walls, the Red Line looks drab and old.

However, “the newly opened section between Dilshad Garden and Shaheed Sthal will not take part in the renovation,” said an official.

The renovation work will begin with Dilshad garden, Jhilmil and Mansarovar stations. The restoration and the retrofitting are expected to be complete by March 2020. The rest of 18 stations would be taken up in the phases.

According to a DMRC official, "The work would take time because only a few hours would be available for carrying out the renovation in an operational corridor."

DMRC will start the process by rectifying the water seepage problem on the tracks by replacing expansion joints and removing cable troughs, etc. The exterior of the stations will be renovated by applying a new colour theme. The interiors will be repaired and the ground floor of the stations will be replaced with granite flooring, and platforms will be given chemical polishing, he further added.

DMRC will carry out largescale development work outside the station including maintenance, beautification of the parking area, footpath, etc. As per the latest specifications, new signage will be installed. The conventional lighting will be replaced by LEDS.

The official also said, "The maintenance of the Red Line poses more challenges than the other lines as many stations here are at ground level, which results in more dust coming inside. Many are near low lying areas, which result in sewage and rainwater entering stations."

"World over, newer metro corridors are always found to be aesthetically better and technologically state-of-art, such as in London, Berlin, etc. DMRC, however, has taken a decision to rejuvenate our first line," a senior official said.

The renovation work will begin with Dilshad garden, Jhilmil and Mansarovar stations