Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant development in Delhi’s infrastructure landscape by laying the foundation stone for two additional corridors of the Delhi Metro’s Phase 4 project. The ceremony, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, symbolized a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and transportation efficiency in the national capital region. The two corridors, part of the Phase 4 expansion, are set to revolutionize the city’s public transportation system with a combined cost of Rs. 8,399 crore and a total length of 20.762 km.
According to a government press release, the Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor will serve as an extension of the Green Line, facilitating interchange with several existing metro lines, including the Red, Yellow, Airport Line, Magenta, Violet, and Blue Lines. On the other hand, the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block corridor will provide connectivity between the Silver, Magenta, Pink, and Violet Lines. These corridors strategically link key areas of Delhi, improving accessibility and easing travel for commuters across the city.
The Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block corridor is planned to be entirely elevated and will feature eight stations, while the Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor will have ten stations. This expansion is expected to alleviate congestion on existing metro lines and offer commuters more convenient and efficient travel options.
In addition to the metro corridor inauguration, Prime Minister Modi also interacted with beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme, a government initiative aimed at supporting street vendors. During the event, PM Modi distributed loans under the scheme to 1 lakh street vendors, including 5,000 vendors from Delhi. The PM SVANidhi scheme has been instrumental in providing financial assistance to street vendors across the country, with over 82 lakh loans amounting to over ₹10,978 crore disbursed to more than 62 lakh street vendors so far.
Addressing the audience at the event, PM Modi lauded the contribution of street vendors to society, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the resilience and hard work of street vendors, who play a vital role in the daily lives of citizens. PM Modi acknowledged the neglect faced by street vendors in the past, highlighting the lack of support and opportunities available to them under previous governments.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the poor and the middle class, emphasizing the BJP’s efforts to address the needs of marginalized communities. He emphasized the transformative impact of initiatives like the PM SVANidhi scheme in empowering street vendors and providing them with access to financial resources and opportunities for growth.
Overall, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Delhi Metro’s Phase 4 corridors and the interaction with beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme underscored the government’s dedication to infrastructure development and inclusive growth. These initiatives are poised to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens in the national capital region.