Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat: PM Modi Launches ₹12,200 Crore Infrastructure Projects Ahead of Assembly Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch major infrastructure projects worth ₹12,200 crore in Delhi today, weeks before the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The initiatives include the Namo Bharat corridor and extensions to the Delhi Metro, designed to enhance connectivity and benefit millions.

Key Infrastructure Projects

1. Namo Bharat Corridor:

The PM will inaugurate a 13-km section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, spanning Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar. This ₹4,600 crore project integrates into the larger Rapid Regional Transit System (RRTS) between Delhi and Meerut, promising high-speed, safe, and reliable travel for commuters.

2. Delhi Metro Phase-IV Expansion:

Modi will also inaugurate a 2.8-km stretch of the Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV between Janakpuri and Krishna Park, valued at ₹1,200 crore. This first operational segment of Phase-IV is expected to benefit West Delhi residents significantly.

3. Rithala-Kundli Metro Corridor:

The PM will lay the foundation stone for the Rithala-Kundli Metro corridor, a 26.5-km stretch costing ₹6,230 crore. This route will connect North-West Delhi with Haryana, improving cross-state connectivity.

4. Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI):

The foundation stone will also be laid for the state-of-the-art CARI campus in Rohini. Constructed at a cost of ₹185 crore, this facility will provide advanced healthcare and Ayurvedic research infrastructure.

PM Modi's Itinerary

The Prime Minister is scheduled to take a ride on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad RRTS Station to New Ashok Nagar at 11:15 AM. Following the inauguration ceremonies, he will address a public gathering at Japanese Park in Rohini around noon.

Political Context

PM Modi's event comes shortly after he launched a fierce attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a rally, signaling the BJP’s preparedness for the upcoming elections. The Delhi Assembly elections are expected in February 2025, as the current assembly’s term ends on February 23.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi will represent the Delhi government during the inauguration. As a 50% stakeholder in the Delhi Metro projects, the state government’s collaboration with the Centre plays a crucial role.

Election Landscape

The BJP has announced its first list of 29 candidates for the elections, while AAP has declared nominees for all 70 seats. Congress has released names for 48 candidates in its initial three lists. The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is eyeing a third consecutive term after securing 67 seats in 2015 and 63 seats in 2020.

With infrastructure development at the forefront, the BJP aims to position itself as a key driver of progress in the national capital, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle.