Delhi Metro is set to introduce the country’s first three-coach train system on the upcoming Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block stretch, part of its Phase IV expansion. Spanning 8 kilometers with eight stations, this corridor will be the second smallest in the entire network, following the 5.4-kilometer Grey Line connecting Dwarka to the Dhansa Bus Stand.
Unlike traditional metro lines that typically run with four, six, or eight-coach trains, this new setup has been designed to meet the specific demands of short-distance urban commutes. The compact three-coach configuration is expected to deliver improved efficiency, higher train frequency, and better operational flexibility, while still accommodating a significant volume of daily passengers.
According to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), this move is more than just reducing the length of trains—it’s part of a broader strategy to create a modern, agile, and cost-effective metro system for the future. The new line, which serves as an extension of the Golden Line, aims to improve access to several key residential and commercial areas in South Delhi. It will connect Lajpat Nagar, Andrews Ganj, Greater Kailash-1, Chirag Dilli, Pushpa Bhawan, Saket Court, Pushp Vihar, and Saket G Block.
The corridor will also enhance the connectivity of Lajpat Nagar, transforming it into a triple interchange station linking with both the Pink and Violet Lines. Chirag Dilli will connect with the Magenta Line, while Saket G Block will serve as an interchange to the airport line.
DMRC expects significant ridership on this corridor due to its location in densely populated, high-traffic zones. Daily passenger numbers are projected to reach between 60,000 and 80,000 in 2025. By 2041, ridership is anticipated to exceed 1.2 lakh passengers per day. Each coach can carry about 300 people, allowing the three-coach train to handle 900 passengers per trip.
Peak hour demand forecasts suggest that the line will remain comfortably within capacity limits, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. The shorter trains also enable quicker turnarounds, contributing to a higher frequency of service. As ridership increases over time, DMRC plans to adjust frequency accordingly to maintain consistent service quality.
Another benefit of the three-coach format is its reduced energy consumption per journey. This move not only supports environmentally responsible operations but also contributes to cost savings and long-term economic sustainability for the network.
The Lajpat Nagar–Saket G Block corridor is part of a broader 65-kilometer expansion under Phase IV, which includes three new lines: Janakpuri West to RK Ashram, Majlis Park to Maujpur, and Aerocity to Tughlakabad. Of these, the 12.3-kilometer Majlis Park to Maujpur extension of the Pink Line is expected to be completed by 2025, while the other two lines are slated for completion by 2026.
These developments follow the financial closure of the project, backed by an agreement between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, enabling accelerated progress in construction and tendering.
