Delhi Metro plans easy access with nine multi-modal stations

NEW DELHI: Picture this: a Metro station with dedicated pedestrian pathways, parking bays for autorickshaws and e-rickshaws as well as cycle stands and a crossing junction. For a city which finds unhindered passenger and traffic movement an almost alien concept, Delhi Metro has a treat in store.

DMRC, which is in the final stage of construction of lines 7 and 8, will design and construct nine stations with multi-modal integration ( MMI) points.

The stations identified for this purpose are Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Trilokpuri, Vinod Nagar (east and west), IP Extension and Mayur Vihar Pocket-I in line 7 (Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar). For line 8 (Janakpuri West to Kalindi Kunj), the stations that will have multi-modal integration are Okhla, Ishwar Nagar, Jasola and Jamia.

The MMI design requires planned infrastructure development around the station.

A DMRC spokesman said, "Delhi Metro is taking steps to provide commuters with various facilities at upcoming Metro stations of phase III, with maximum priority to pedestrians."

As part of the MMI design, the 300m radius of the station will be developed so as to provide easy and safe dispersion of commuters towards the bus stop, non-motorised vehicle lane or cycle stand. It will also provide dedicated bays for autos, e-rickshaws and feeder buses.


"The MMI proposals have been finalised by UTTIPEC in close coordination with DMRC, traffic police, agencies such as DDA, PWD, corporations. The proposals have been approved by the LG," he added.

As part of the design, there will be a drop-off point for commuters. The DMRC official said, "Crossing junctions have been proposed for improved visibility and shortened road crossing time. The pedestrian movement has further been facilitated through way finding signage and traffic-calming measures at appropriate locations."

That's not all. "To provide safe and economical last-mile connectivity, a feeder bus service with improved frequency is being proposed," the official added. Separate cycle tracks will also be available at these stations, along with the provision for cycle parking or rental facility.

DMRC is proposing to have a hawkers' hub at the stations. "Hawkers hub will be created in an organised way —small kiosks will be provided outside the station," said the DMRC official.

This will help ensure that the small food stalls that invariably crop up near stations are located in such a way that they do not disturb the flow of traffic and commuters from the station.

Bus stops will also be located in the range of 50m from the stations, as per UTTIPEC guidelines, added the Delhi Metro official.

The new station at ITO and Mandi House, both of which are part of the Heritage line, have been provided with some of the MMI features, said the official.