Delhi metro begins trial runs in new section

The Delhi Metro on Friday began trial runs on the Jahangirpuri-Samaypur Badli section, which is likely to be operational by the end of this month, officials said.

Built under Phase 3 of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the first trial train on the 4.3 km long elevated stretch commenced from the Jahangirpuri station and covered the Badli Mor and Rohini Sector 18 stations before ending at Samaypur Badli station.

"The section is almost complete and is expected to be opened for commuter operations by next month after successful trials and mandatory approvals," DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh told reporters.

"Residents of north Delhi who travel to different parts of the national capital region will benefit from this new stretch," he added.

According to the DMRC, 95 percent work has been completed at all the three stations -- Samaypur Badli, Rohini Sector 18 and Badli Mor.

Speaking about the challenges faced by the corporation while constructing the extension route, Singh said steel bridges had to be built at various points to avoid railway tracks or the busy outer ring road.

"One of the challenges was to construct the elevated bridge over the busy Delhi-Ambala line between Adarsh Nagar and Badli stations. We used a 45 metre steel bridge resting on piers that are 12 metres above the track," Singh said.

Similarly, five more steel spans were used on various stretches on the outer ring road so as not to affect the traffic movement.

Besides, the Badli Mor station has been designed in such a way that the structure will have provision for expansion in Phase 4 as well.

With the addition of the new stretch, the trains on Delhi Metro's yellow line will run from HUDA City Centre to Samaypur Badli, covering a distance of 49 km.