Gurgaon's Rapid Metro to run from Oct 2

The first phase of Gurgaon's Rapid Metro Rail is likely to be inaugurated Oct 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister S.S. Dhillon Thursday reviewed the progress of work on the network here.

Dhillon said this would be the country's first metrorail system developed in the public-private partnership mode, at a cost of about Rs.1,100 crore.

The first phase of the Rapid Metro covers 5.1 km long track, with six stations: DLF phase-II, Belvedere Towers, Gateway Towers, Moulsari Avenue, DLF Phase-III and Sikanderpur.

A major part of the line is single-track.

The interchange station is at Sikanderpur, where Rapid Metro connects with Delhi Metro via a skywalk.

This will provide seamless connectivity to Delhi Metro, thereby connecting DLF cyber city to Delhi.

Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Limited managing director Sanjeev Rai told Dhillon that the construction of the first phase of Rapid Metro has been completed. He said that work on the second phase from Sikanderpur up to Sector 55-56 of Gurgaon has also commenced.

Rai said that in the first phase, Rapid Metro will have three coaches, with a capacity of 800 passengers.

Rapid Metro will have common ticketing system with Delhi Metro, which means that the tokens and smart cards of Delhi Metro will work on the Rapid Metro system also.

This will ensure commuter convenience, as there will be no requirement of purchasing multiple tickets, Rai said, adding that a total of five trains, all air-conditioned to cope with high summer temperatures, will be deployed in the first phase. CCTV cameras are installed for security and surveillance.

Rai said that with the services of the Rapid Metro, commuters will get relief from traffic woes, and easy connectivity to NH-8, Gurgaon and Delhi.