Delhi Metro’s 22nd Anniversary: A Shining Example of Indo-Japanese Partnership

New Delhi, December 29, 2024

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) celebrated its 22nd anniversary of the commencement of its passenger operations this month. It was on 24th December, 2002 that the first Delhi Metro train, TS-01, was flagged off by the then Prime Minister, Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, introducing a new era of modern public transport in Delhi NCR.

The TS-01 train, which started DMRC’s journey, has carved a legacy of its own in bringing modern public transport to Delhi. Over its 22-year journey, TS-01 has been a symbol of reliability and efficiency, covering approximately 27 lakh kilometers, safely transporting over 5.4 crore passengers, and executing an impressive 23 lakh door operations.

Delhi Metro is globally recognized as a shining example of Indo-Japanese cooperation globally. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) completed 22 years of successful cooperation, which has not only revolutionized Delhi's public transportation but also strengthened the ties between India and Japan.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) extended financial assistance amounting to 825.184 billion (approx. INR 550.122 billion) for the development of Phase-1, 2, 3 & ongoing Phase 4. Upon completion of the ongoing Phase-4, Delhi Metro's total system route length would stretch to over 415 kms (one of the largest metros in the world). 

ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, visited the Delhi Metro system earlier this month and was accompanied by Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC during his journey on the Metro from Central Secretariat till Chawri Bazaar.

During his visit, Ambassador Ono showed keen interest on various operational facilities including dedicated coaches in every train for women, CCTV surveillance, driverless trains etc. besides enquiring about ongoing Phase-4 works on various corridors. He praised the DMRC for its excellent work and described the Delhi Metro project as an amazing collaboration between India and Japan. The journey concluded with a visit to Patel Chowk Metro Museum. 

Ambassador Ono's visit highlights the strong partnership between India and Japan in modernizing India's transport.

Sharing the video released by Japanese Embassy in New Delhi on Ambassador Ono's visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_H-W9yIJR/