JICA unveils report on the making of Delhi Metro

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has financially assisted the Delhi Metro project, today unveiled a research report on the making of the rapid transit system, which it said was a "shining example" of the Indo-Japanese economic cooperation.
The report is titled 'Breaking Ground A Narrative on the Making of Delhi Metro'.
"JICA assisted Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project, commonly known as the Delhi Metro Project, with gigantic concessional financial support," the JICA said in a statement shared by the DMRC today.
The report provides insights and empirical data on process of making Delhi Metro a "shining example" of Indo- Japanese economic cooperation in the world, which not only brought mindset change, but evolved the construction culture in India and set new standards of punctuality, it said.

Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office presented the report to DMRC chief Mangu Singh here.
"Delhi Metro has proved to be a benchmark project because of its timely completion that was achieved within the targeted cost. The project also aligns with the Prime Ministers Swacch Bharat Mission and has led to social elevation of the society by bringing change in lifestyle of Delhi people and promoting women empowerment," the statement added.

It is also expected to "unveil secrets" which were not publicly available but contributed in making the project unique, and showcased it as an example to be emulated by other projects in India.

"JICA has now extended its association with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) beyond Phase III of the project, as there is a need for huge capacity expansion in public transportation.
"Overall, JICA has extended concessional ODA loans of JPY 1 trillion (approximately Rs 6,000 crore) for development of metro systems in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Ahmedabad," it said.
Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office said, readers will experience, how due to Delhi Metro's operations, there was a "huge modal shift" from private vehicle transportation to mass public transportation, leading to less traffic and enhancement of environmental conditions of Delhi.

It also encompasses Delhi Metro Project's journey from beginning to the future. It gives a "first-hand account" of the undertaking of the construction of its first ride, the statement said.