The Government of India has approved the Rs249.49bn ($3.56bn) Phase-IV project of Delhi Metro.

The overall project comprises three priority corridors with a total length of 61.679km, of which 22.359km will be underground.

Overall, these three corridors will feature 17 underground and 29 elevated stations.

Once completed, the project will expand the existing metro network across the capital region to more than 400km. It will also improve connectivity and mitigate traffic congestion in Delhi.

"The project will expand the existing metro network across the capital region to more than 400km."

The first corridor to be built will stretch from Aerocity to Tughlakabad featuring 15 stations, while the second corridor will run between R K Ashram and JanakpuriWest and feature 25 stations.



The third corridor between Maujpur and Mukundpur will feature six stations.

Delhi Metro Rail (DMRC), the joint venture between the Government of India and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, will implement the project.

Along with the Delhi Metro Phase-IV project, the Indian government has also approved the construction of the third line between Narayangarh and Bhadrak in the South Eastern Railway zone.

The Narayangarh–Bhadrak section is a part of the Howrah-Chennai trunk route.

The project, estimated to cost Rs18.66bn ($266.3m), will help to reduce congestion on the section. It is expected to be completed by 2024.

Earlier this month, the Indian government approved Kanpur and Agra metro rail projects in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The two projects, scheduled to be completed in five years, will be built at a cost of $1.56bn and $1.18bn.