Future Systems - Delhi

Although by 2007 the system was operating at below projected passenger levels, partly ascribed to train capacity proving lower in practice than projected, Delhi Metro is achieving an operating profit. Carrying 5% of the city’s commuters, the project is proving to not only meet the anticipated aim of attracting former road users and reducing road casualties in areas it serves, the Metro is also stimulating economic development in proximity to stations. To further discourage vehicle use in connection with Metro use, a low-cost cycle hire and secure parking trial has been launched.
Development of the Phase 2 lines that will add around 121km to the network is well under way, and a 2010 completion is anticipated in time for Delhi's hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

As with Phase 1, Delhi Metro liases with other Asian mass transit operators, bringing in expertise from Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. In turn, Mumbai Metro is drawing upon operational experience in Delhi.

A welcome part of the system for overseas visitors is the 19.5km (12.1 mile), ten minute interval, extension to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Featuring check-in and luggage facilities, journey times to the centre are cut to 16 minutes from the present one hour by road. The 135km/h (84mph) link will be extended as the airport adds new terminal facilities. The first construction contracts, to Alpine-Samsung-HCC and Afcons, for 7.5km of line were awarded in October 2007.

Delhi Metro is thought to have inspired greater support for mass transit systems. India has many projects now in the planning stage or under construction (Kolkata extension; Mumbai; Bengaluru/Bangalore; HyderabadBangalore). Anticipating the award of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a possibility of expanding their current small metro operation by then, representatives from Glasgow have visited Delhi to see how the system has become operational in such short time. With confidence in the completion of Phase 2 being on schedule or earlier, Delhi Metro seems likely to reach a master plan target of 241km by 2021.