Delhi Metro's Golden Line Breakthrough: A New Era in Connectivity!

Tughlakabad Railway Colony, Delhi, India - On June 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in the expansion of the Delhi Metro system, specifically along the much-anticipated Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, affectionately known as the Golden Line. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) celebrated a tunneling breakthrough at the Tughlakabad Railway Colony station, marking a major step in enhancing connectivity across South Delhi. A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) successfully completed a 792-meter underground stretch, breaking through with precision and showcasing modern engineering prowess.

This tunneling achievement is a key feature of the ongoing Phase IV expansion project of the metro, which aims to significantly ameliorate east-west connectivity in the bustling city. The new tunnel runs at an average depth of 18 meters and connects seamlessly from Maa Anandmayee Marg to the Tughlakabad Railway Colony. This development is seen as a crucial link, providing an interchange with the Violet Line at Tughlakabad and catering to the growing transportation needs of the region.

Exciting Developments Ahead

The unveiling of this tunnel was attended by prominent officials, including Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Delhi’s Health and Transport Minister, and Dr. Vikas Kumar, the Managing Director of DMRC. They celebrated this engineering triumph, which is not just about the completion of a tunnel but also about the collective hope for better connectivity in a rapidly urbanizing environment.

With a total length of 23.6 kilometers designated for the Golden Line, of which 19.3 kilometers will be underground, the project is advancing at a rapid pace. Essentially, it showcases not just infrastructure development but also a vision to ease traffic woes in the capital city, a topic of great discussion among residents.

As part of the broader expansion efforts, there’s a second tunnel currently under construction for bidirectional movement. This parallel tunnel is slated for completion by July 2026. DMRC has taken meticulous care during excavation, employing advanced ground movement monitoring systems to mitigate any potential disturbances to existing structures in the area.

Technical Triumphs in Urban Engineering

What’s noteworthy is the use of the Earth Pressure Balancing Method, which has revolutionized how these tunnels are built. This technique helps maintain stability and safety as the TBM navigates various soil and rock layers underground while minimizing disruption at the surface. Each tunnel ring is constructed from precast concrete segments, manufactured under precision guidelines. These segments, with an inner diameter of 5.8 meters, are then steam-cured for added strength, ensuring durability for years to come.

The ambitious Phase IV expansion includes a whopping 40.1 kilometers of new underground metro lines, with the Tughlakabad–Aerocity corridor accounting for a significant chunk. The excitement doesn’t stop here; two other corridors—the Janakpuri West–RK Ashram extension of the Magenta Line and the Majlis Park–Maujpur extension of the Pink Line—are also under construction. Notably, the Pink Line extension is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, while the Golden Line and the Magenta Line are scheduled for mid-2026.

This major milestone for the Golden Line not only acts as a boon for commuters but also symbolizes the forward momentum of urban transportation in Delhi, addressing the pressing challenges of a growing population and increasing demand for efficient public transport. As the extensive network continues to grow, it stands as a reminder of the significance of innovation in our daily lives, paving the way for a more connected future.

For further details, you can read about this achievement on Hindustan Times, Devdiscourse, and India Today.