The Delhi Metro is an integrated transport system serving the city of Delhi and its neighbouring districts. Operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) – a State-owned company overseen by both the central and state governments – the metro extends over a total length of 296.1 kilometres (184 miles). The system has 214 stations spread over eight different lines. There is also an integrated line, the Airport Express, which provides direct service to the airport. The metro was inaugurated on 24 December 2002 with the inauguration of the Red Line, and has been expanding ever since, making it the second largest metro system in India. The metro operates from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with ticket prices starting at 10 rupees (approximately $US 0.14).
The system carries an impressive 1,500,000 passengers daily. Fares are set at 0.12. Unfortunately, it does not operate 24 hours a day, but on the plus side, there is air conditioning. It is possible to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless.
The platforms do not have screen doors. It is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC). Operating hours are from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm from Monday to Sunday. Fares range from Rs. 8.00 to Rs. 50.00.
Delhi Metro Map
Map of Delhi Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Delhi Metro map in PDF format.
Delhi: The Indian Metropolis
The capital of India, New Delhi, is part of the larger National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) and is a key city in the country. Located in the north-central part of India, the city is home to around 12 million people, making it the second most populous city in the country. Including the wider metropolitan area, the population reaches 26 million. The total area of the city is 1484 square kilometres (573 square miles).
The city is known for its myriad of traditional structures, which led to its candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2014.
Delhi has a hot climate with average summer temperatures reaching 39°C (89.6°F) and winter temperatures peaking at 8°C (46.4°F).
Metro System in Detail
The Delhi Metro spans 296.1 kilometres (184 miles) and covers large parts of the city and surrounding areas. The system was officially inaugurated on 24 December 2002, with the first phase comprising the Red Line with six stations.
Over the years, the metro system has significantly expanded its coverage and has become one of the most important metro networks in the country. The types and models of trains have been modified and upgraded with each phase of expansion. Hyundai Rotem, a company specialising in rail manufacturing, supplied the vehicles for Phase 1. However, for subsequent phases, vehicles from the Canadian company Bombardier were used.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) is the public sector operator of the system, which is estimated to carry 1 billion passengers a year.
- Name: Delhi Metro
- Total Length: 296.1 kilometers (184 miles)
- Rail Gauge: 1,435 mm (4.71 ft)
- Number of Lines: 8
- Number of Stations: 214
- Maximum Speed: 72 km/h (44.7 mph)
- Website: www.delhimetrorail.com
- Operator: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC)
- Daily Ridership: 2,760,000
- Inaugurated: December 24, 2002
A Brief History
The origins of Delhi’s public transport can be traced back to 1969, when the government conducted a study that highlighted the city’s need for a railway system. However, it was not until 1984 that the Urban Arts Commission proposed an integrated transport system, including underground sections. However, it took another 12 years before the actual construction of the metro began. On 3 May 1995, the government set up the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with a mandate to revolutionise the city’s decaying transport system.
With renewed interest from the government and private investors, plans for a metro capable of accommodating Delhi’s massive population were revived. As a result, construction of the metro began in 1998, culminating in its inauguration on 24 December 2002.
Lines and Stations
The Delhi Metro comprises a total of eight lines, the first six of which were built during Phases I and II, and the remaining two during Phases III and IV. The Orange Line, also known as the Airport Express Line, is a prominent feature of the first two phases, providing a direct link to the airport. The entire system comprises 214 stations strategically located throughout the city and some of its surrounding areas.
Red Line
The Red Line runs mainly east-west, with a deviation in the north-east of the city, where it runs diagonally. The line has 21 stations, with termini at Dishad Garden and Rithala. The Red Line runs 25.1 kilometres (15.6 miles) underground and is recognisable by its red colour.
Yellow Line
Stretching 45 kilometres (28 miles) from north to south across the city, the Yellow Line is one of the longest and most extensive lines in the system. It has 34 stations, with termini at Jahangirpuri and HUDA City Centre in the neighbouring city of Gurgaon. The line is recognisable by its yellow colour.
Blue Line
The Blue Line, the system’s first line, was designed to connect the city’s interior with the outskirts. It runs for 56.6 kilometres (35.2 miles) along the city’s east-west corridor, splitting into north and south branches in the far east. It has 50 stations, with termini at Dwarka Sector and Noida. Its distinctive colour is blue.
Green Line
The Green Line, one of the shortest lines in the Delhi Metro, runs just 19 kilometres (11.8 miles) through the city’s east-west corridor. It has 18 stations and terminates at Inderlok and Ashok Park Main Stations. The colour of the line is green.
Violet Line
The Violet Line runs along the east-west corridor of the city, forming a diagonal curve. The 20 kilometre line has 16 stations, with termini at Central Secretariat and Badarpur. It was commissioned in 2010.
Orange Line/Airport Express Line
The Orange Line provides a direct link to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. With a total length of 22.7 kilometres (14.1 miles), the line begins at Dwarka Sector 21 station. Since it doesn’t have any intermediate stops, it can reach speeds of 135 km/h (83.9 mph), which is much faster than other lines that run at 80 km/h (49.8 mph). The distinguishing colour of this line is orange.
Magenta Line
The Magenta Line, which opened on 25 December 2017, was the first to be launched in the third phase of the system. This underground line consists of 25 stations, spanning 28.92 kilometres (18 miles) from Janakpuri West to Botanic Garden station. It provides a direct link to the Airport Express Line and is identified by the colour magenta.
Pink Line
The Pink Line is the latest addition to the system. Inaugurated on 14 March 2018 as part of the third phase, the first section runs from Majilis Park to Lajpat Nagar station, covering a total of 12.54 kilometres (7.8 miles). It consists of 38 stations and extends from Majilis Park to Shiv Vihar.
Connections to Other Systems
The DMRC has strategically designed Delhi’s transport system to facilitate access to non-metro locations by bus. The city operates 12 bus routes, with 30 routes authorised by the state-owned subsidiary and additional private transport routes.
Each of the government-owned vehicles has a total capacity of 27 passengers, with 18 seats. There are 149 of these buses in operation in central Delhi and its surrounding areas. The service runs from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm with a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes between stops, depending on traffic conditions.
Bus fares on the DMRC line vary according to the distance travelled. The basic fare for a 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) journey is 5 rupees ($US 0.07), rising to 10 rupees ($US 0.14) for distances between 4 (2.5) and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), and 15 rupees ($US 0.21) for distances over 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
Other forms of private intercity transport, such as auto-rickshaws, are also popular. These motorised tricycles, which can be hired in various parts of the city, especially near metro stations, are a convenient alternative to dealing with traffic.
Airport Connections
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 16 kilometres from the centre of Delhi, serves as one of the major air terminals in the region and the country’s main global gateway. With a capacity of 12.5 million passengers per day, the airport serves approximately 7.15 million travellers per day.
While private companies operate bus routes from the airport to the city, the main link is the Airport Express metro line, also known as the Orange Line. The line is 22.7 kilometres (14.1 miles) long, of which 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles) is underground and the rest is elevated.
The line is elevated from its starting point at Buddha Jayanti Park station to Mahipalpur station, after which it runs underground.
The Airport Express Line connects with several transport systems, offering passengers various transfer options. From New Delhi Railway Station, passengers can transfer to India’s main interstate railway station or to the Yellow Line of the metro. The Dhaula Kuan station provides a direct link to the Pink Line. Delhi Aerocity station connects to Terminal 1 of the bus system and finally Dwarka Sector 21 station connects to the Blue Line.
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Delhi Metro operates continuously from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with slight variations depending on the day of the week. On average, trains arrive at each station every 8 minutes, although this can vary depending on the time of day.
Red Line
The first train departs from Dilshad Garden station at 5:45 a.m. and the last train arrives at Rithala station at 11:20 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, trains run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. Trains usually arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 13 minutes during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays.
Yellow Line
The first train leaves Samaypur Badli station at 5:50am and the last train arrives at Huda City Centre station at 11:13pm. Trains run from 6:05am to 11:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Trains arrive every 4 minutes during peak hours and every 8 minutes during off-peak hours, with a frequency of every 11 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Blue Line
The first train departs from Noida City Centre station at 5.40 am and the last train arrives at Vaishali station at 11.20 pm. On weekends, the timetable remains the same but the service ends at 23:00 hrs. This line has a frequency of 3 minutes during peak hours and around 8 minutes during off-peak hours. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, it usually runs every 12 to 13 minutes.
Green Line
The Green Line starts at 6:05 am, with the first train departing from Inderlok station. The last train arrives at Kirti Nagar station at 23:00. The schedule is the same on weekends and holidays. Trains arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 13 minutes during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays.
Violet Line
The first train departs from Kashmere Gate station at 6:00 a.m. and the last train arrives at Escorts Mujesar station at 11:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the service runs from 6:10 a.m. to 10:40 p.m. Trains usually arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the frequency is reduced to every 12 to 13 minutes.
Orange Line
The Orange Line runs from 5.50am to 11.00pm on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. This line has the longest waiting time between stops, with trains arriving every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 18 to 20 minutes during off-peak hours.
Magenta Line
The first train departs from Botanical Garden station at 6:00 a.m. and the last train arrives at Janakpuri West station at 11:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the service runs from 6:10 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. Trains usually arrive every 6 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours. At weekends and holidays the frequency is reduced to every 12 minutes.
Pink Line
The Pink Line runs from 6.00am to 22.50pm on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Trains arrive every 7 minutes at peak times and every 13 minutes at off-peak times.
Fares, Tickets and Cards
The Delhi Metro has a sophisticated and fully automated ticketing and fare collection system. Fares are based on distance travelled, time spent in the system and type of ticket. The minimum fare for a single journey is 10 rupees ($US 0.14), increasing by 10 units for every two consecutive stations. Interestingly, fares are reduced by 10 units on weekends and public holidays.
Though the DMRC sets the ticket prices, the fares vary across the different transport systems controlled by the subsidiary, with metro fares being slightly higher.
Below are the different types of tickets and their respective price variations:
- Tokens: These are the simplest form of payment on the Delhi Metro. They can be purchased for 10 rupees ($US 0.14) and are valid for one day. Tokens can be purchased from ticket machines or customer service centres at each station. Passengers can request a refund if the token is not used within 60 minutes of purchase. Each token is valid for 170 minutes. A penalty of 10 rupees ($US 0.14) will be charged if the time limit is exceeded.
- Travel and Smart Trip Cards: These are recommended for frequent users of the metro. The cost is 150 rupees ($US 2.14), which includes a refundable deposit of 50 rupees ($US 0.71). These cards can be recharged at various locations with a minimum of 200 rupees ($US 2.85).
- Compared to individual tickets, travel cards offer a 10% discount on each journey. Choosing these cards over tokens can save considerable time as queues to buy tokens can be long. In addition, travel cards allow unrestricted travel within the system, regardless of destination or origin.
- Smart cards are transferable as they are not personalised. However, they can only be used by one person once they have been activated at one of the stations. These cards can be recharged at customer service centres, ticket machines, authorised outlets and online.
- Tourist Cards: These are specially designed for short term visitors to the city. There are two options: a 1-day tourist card and a 3-day tourist card, both of which offer unlimited travel on all metro lines. The 1-day card costs 200 rupees ($US 2.85) and the 3-day card costs 500 rupees ($US 7.13).
Future Expansions
The Delhi Metro continues to expand. As part of Phase IV, the Pink and Magenta lines are being extended and are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018. In addition, the Moss Green Line is expected to be completed by 2022, along with the extension of the Red Line by more than 100 kilometres.
With several projects already underway, transport officials are considering launching Phase V once Phase IV is complete.
Tips
- As the Delhi Metro is one of the busiest metros in Asia, it is advisable to remain alert while using the system and keep a close eye on personal belongings to avoid theft.
- Penalties are imposed for exceeding the allotted time within the system or for making journeys that do not correspond to the type of ticket. It’s therefore important to understand and adhere to the terms and conditions of each ticket type.
- Ensure that tickets are purchased and recharged only at officially designated locations.
- The standard written languages for the Delhi Metro are English and Hindi. It is advisable to have a basic understanding of both languages.
Interesting Facts
- Ticket prices are reduced by 10 units on public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- There are no discounts for children, students or senior citizens.
- Children under 90 centimetres tall can travel for free.
- Parking facilities for bicycles and vehicles are available at almost every station.
- The Delhi Metro is the only metro in South Asia to have a museum detailing the entire history of the system, located near other major city museums such as the National and Parliament Museum.
Sightseeing via the Delhi Metro
Delhi, one of India’s most diverse cities, offers a rich architectural tapestry and a unique blend of people, creating a truly fascinating experience. In just a few minutes, you can travel from bustling, modern spaces to cosmopolitan vistas and tranquil spots with majestic temples dedicated to serenity and spirituality. The following are some of the metro-accessible and distinctive places in Delhi:
Deer Park: One of the city’s most beautiful natural spaces, it offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amongst its many maple trees, the park has walking paths, artificial lakes and an abundance of greenery. The park is a short walk from R.K. Puram station on the Magenta line.
Central Park: Known for its large number of trees and covering an area of over 41,500 square metres, it’s one of Delhi’s most famous parks. Its flowering plants and water features, including a waterfall, beautify the park throughout the year. The park also has an amphitheatre where small cultural events are held. To reach Central Park, take the blue or yellow line to Rajiv Chowk station.
Tibet House: One of the most modern and architecturally valuable buildings in the city, it serves as a cultural centre and space for artistic development. It houses a permanent exhibition on Tibetan heritage and traditions. Tibet House is a short walk from Khan Market station on the Purple Line.