STN: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has issued the Letter of Acceptance to Cemindia Projects Limited for a key package under Delhi Metro Phase 5A.
This contract is called EC-03. It includes the design and construction of twin tunnels and two underground stations on the Central Vista corridor.
The tunnels will connect Shivaji Stadium and Central Secretariat. The work will also include a cut-and-cover tunnel section between Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhawan. Two underground stations, Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhawan, will be built with entry and exit points and subways.
The tunnel section will pass under important areas like India Gate, Supreme Court of India, and Kartavya Path.
The project duration is 33 months from the start date.
Scope of Work in Delhi Metro Phase 5A
Under this part of Delhi Metro Phase 5A, the work includes:
- Twin tunnels for up and down lines using Tunnel Boring Machines
- Underground stations at Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhawan
- Entry and exit structures for passenger access
- Subways to connect nearby areas
The tunnel length is about 2.84 km. The route passes through a sensitive zone with government buildings and public spaces. This requires careful planning and accurate construction work.
There is also a section where tunnelling will not take place due to other ongoing work near Yuge Yugeen Bharat station.
Delhi Metro Phase 5A Cost and Contract Details
The total value of this contract is ₹1,023.82 crore. The bid was lower than the estimated cost of ₹1,281 crore.
Key details:
- Contract Number: EC-03
- Contractor: Cemindia Projects Limited
- LOA Date: 2 April 2026
- Completion Time: 33 months
This section is part of the Central Vista area, which includes the new Parliament building and government offices. The metro line will help people reach these areas without using surface roads.
Phase 5A Expansion Plan
The Delhi government approved Delhi Metro Phase 5A on 11 February 2026. The total project cost is ₹12,014.91 crore.
This phase will add 16.076 km of metro lines. It will include 13 stations, out of which 10 will be underground and 3 will be elevated.
Corridors under Delhi Metro Phase 5A
- RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha
- Length: 9.913 km
- Stations: 8
- Type: Underground
- Aerocity to IGI Terminal 1
- Length: 2.263 km
- Stations: 1
- Type: Underground
- Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj
- Length: 4 km
- Stations: 4
- Type: Elevated
The RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha section is important. The EC-03 contract is part of this corridor.
Impact of Delhi Metro Phase 5A
This phase will improve travel in central Delhi. It will reduce road traffic and travel time.
Central Secretariat station will become a three-line interchange. It will connect:
- Yellow Line
- Violet Line
- New Phase 5A corridor
This will help daily commuters and government staff.
The Magenta Line will also expand. It is expected to become the longest metro corridor in Delhi after all phases are complete. It will have many underground sections and interchange stations.
FAQ
A: The timeline depends on different packages. The EC-03 contract alone has a 33-month schedule, so parts of the phase may complete around 2028–2029.
A: Some sections connected to the Magenta Line are planned for driverless operations.
A: It will provide direct underground access to central Delhi landmarks without road travel.
A: Construction is mostly underground, so surface disruption will be limited but not fully avoided.
A: Several stations will allow line changes, with Central Secretariat being one of the main ones.
