Delhi Metro Signs Landmark Agreement with Japan for Expansion and Modernization

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has signed a historic agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the expansion and modernization of the city’s metro network. The agreement was signed on Monday, February 10, 2020, in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to India, Satoshi Suzuki, and DMRC Managing Director, Mangu Singh.

The agreement, worth approximately Rs. 8,390 crore, will be used to fund the procurement of new trains, signaling system upgrades, and the construction of new metro lines. The investment will also be used to improve the overall safety and efficiency of the metro network, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger comfort.

The agreement comes on the back of Japan’s long-standing interests in India’s infrastructure development, with Delhi being one of the cities in the country with the most significant potential for expansion in the metro sector. The new investment will not only improve connectivity within the city but will also provide new job opportunities and boost economic growth in the region.

The DMRC, which is responsible for the management and operation of the metro network, has been working towards modernizing and expanding the system to keep up with the growing needs of the city’s residents. The new investment from JICA will enable the DMRC to continue with this objective, and to ensure that the metro network remains an essential part of Delhi’s public transport infrastructure.

The agreement with JICA is just one of the many partnerships that the DMRC has formed with international agencies to support its expansion and modernization plans. The DMRC has been working with other international agencies such as the French Development Agency, the European Investment Bank, and the World Bank, to name a few.

The Delhi Metro has significantly contributed to the reduction of traffic congestion in the city since it began operations in 2002. It has helped to reduce commuting time, ease pressure on the road network, and has played a vital role in the city’s development. With the new investment from JICA, the Delhi Metro will continue to be a crucial part of the city’s growth story.