The Delhi Metro Red Line, which has the distinction of being the first operationalised corridor of the Delhi Metro, joins Rithala in northwest Delhi to Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) in Ghaziabad. While passing through some of the most significant junctures in the national capital, the Delhi Metro Red Line acts as a crucial connectivity route.
Red Line: Significance
The Red Line is the oldest and one of the most significant corridors of the DMRC network in terms of passenger utilisation (around 4.7 Lakh per day at present) with four existing interchange stations, namely Welcome, Kashmere Gate, Inderlok, and Netaji Subhash Place. Two more stations – Pul Bangash and Pitampura on the Red Line will also become interchange stations after the completion of Phase-IV. The first six-coach train service on the Delhi Metro network was introduced on the Red Line in 2013.
Delhi Metro Red Line: Key facts
| Name | Line 1 |
| Owner | DMRC |
| Built under | Phase-1 |
| Opened to public | December 24, 2002 |
| Type | Elevated (Welcome and Shahdara stations are on surface) |
| Length | 33.48 km |
| Inauguration | April 3, 2010 |
| Number of stations | 29 stations |
| Number of interchange stations | 4 |
| First station | Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) |
| Last station | Rithala |
| Interchange stations | 4 |
| Train speed | 80 kmh |
| Train frequency | 4-10 minutes |
| Timings | 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Travel time | 46 minutes |
| Ticket price | Rs 10 to Rs 60 |
Delhi Metro Red Line: Progress
Delhi Metro Red Line’s 8.2-km stretch between Tis Hazari and Shahdara stations was opened on December 24, 2002, by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The route has reached its current length of 34.72 km after going through several extensions.
Delhi Metro Red Line: Extension
1st stretch: Shahdara-Tis Hazari
Built under: Phase-1
Opening date: December 25, 2002
Length: 8.35 km
Stations: 6
2nd stretch: Tis Hazari-Inderlok
Built under: Phase-1
Opening date: October 3, 2003
Length: 4.87 km
Stations: 4
3rd stretch: Inderlok-Rithala
Built under: Phase-1
Opening date: March 31, 2004
Length: 8.84 km
Stations: 8
4th stretch: Shahdara-Tis Hazari
Built under: Phase-2
Opening date: June 4, 2008
Length: 2.86 km
Stations: 3
5th stretch: Dilshad Garden-Shaheed Sthal, New Bus Adda
Built under: Phase-3
Opening date: March 8, 2019
Length: 9.63 km
Stations: 8
Delhi Metro Red Line: Stations
| Delhi Metro Red Line station list | Interchange Stations |
| Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) | Ghaziabad Junction Railway Station |
| Hindon | |
| Arthala | |
| Mohan Nagar | |
| Shyam Park | |
| Major Mohit Sharma | |
| Raj Bagh | |
| Shaheed Nagar | |
| Dilshad Garden | |
| Jhilmil | |
| Mansarovar Park | |
| Shahdara | |
| Welcome | |
| Seelampur | |
| Shastri Park | |
| Kashmere Gate | Yellow Line, Violet Line, ISBT Kashmere Gate |
| Tis Hazari | |
| Pul Bangash | |
| Pratap Nagar | |
| Shastri Nagar | Sarai Rohilla Railway Station |
| Inderlok | Green Line (Main) |
| Kanhiya Nagar | |
| Keshav Puram | |
| Netaji Subhash Place | Pink Line |
| Kohat Enclave | |
| Pitampura | |
| Rohini East | |
| Rohini West | |
| Rithala |
Delhi Metro Red Line: Route map 2025
Source: DMRC
Delhi Metro Red Line: Fare in 2025
The fare on this line would depend on the distance covered.
| Distance covered | Fare | Time limit in minutes | |
| Monday to Saturday | Sundays and public holidays | ||
| 0-2 | Rs 10 | Rs 10 | 65 |
| 2-5 | Rs 20 | Rs 10 | 65 |
| 5-12 | Rs 30 | Rs 20 | 65 |
| 12-21 | Rs 40 | Rs 30 | 100 |
| 21-32 | Rs 50 | Rs 40 | 180 |
| More than 32 | Rs 60 | Rs 50 | 180 |
Delhi Metro Red Line: Train frequency
Dilshad Garden to Rithala
Peak hours
Weekday: 3 min 21 sec
Saturday: 3 min 41 sec
Sunday: 5 min
Non-peak hours
Weekday: 4 min
Saturday: 4 min 15 sec
Sunday: 5 min
Dilshad Garden to New Bus Adda
Peak hours
Weekday: 6 min 42 sec
Saturday: 7 min 22 sec
Sunday: 10 min
Non-peak hours
Weekday: 8 min
Saturday: 8 min 30 sec
Sunday: 10 min
Feeder services and last-mile connectivity
A metro line is only as effective as its last-mile options. The Red Line of the Delhi Metro, spanning key urban and suburban zones, is supported by multiple last-mile connectivity solutions that make it easier for daily commuters and residents to complete their journey.
1. Feeder Bus Services
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) runs several feeder buses from major Red Line stations, ensuring seamless movement to residential and commercial areas.
- Rithala Station:
- Feeder Bus No. MC-719: Connects Rithala to Rohini Sector 11, 15, and 24
- MC-770: Covers Rohini West, Avantika, and Sector 3
- Kashmere Gate:
- Feeder Bus No. MC-721: Serves Civil Lines, Raj Niwas Marg, and ISBT
- Interchange with DTC buses to Old Delhi Railway Station and Delhi University
- Welcome Station:
- Feeder Bus No. MC-720: Routes to Seelampur, Jafrabad, and Maujpur
- Also connects to Shastri Park IT hubs via cycle-rickshaws and shared autos
- Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda):
- Interlinked with UP roadways buses and autos to Ghaziabad main markets
- Direct access to NH-9 and nearby housing clusters like Raj Nagar and Shalimar Garden
2. E-Rickshaw and auto-rickshaw availability
Most stations on the Red Line have dedicated e-rickshaw stands or shared auto points within 100–200 meters of exit gates:
- Shaheed Sthal: Dozens of e-rickshaws connect commuters to Ghaziabad Railway Station, Raj Nagar Extension, and Nehru Nagar.
- Netaji Subhash Place: High availability of autos and e-rickshaws servicing Pitampura, Kohat Enclave, and local business centers.
- Dilshad Garden: Local shared autos cover Dilshad Colony, GTB Hospital, and Surya Nagar routes.
E-rickshaw aggregators like SmartE also operate fixed routes at select Red Line stations during peak hours.
3. Bicycle sharing and rentals
Bike-sharing services like Yulu and MYBYK have begun limited operations at interchange stations. While availability is still expanding, the following hubs may offer app-based bike rentals:
- Kashmere Gate: Yulu Zones near ISBT exit gate
- Rithala: MYBYK tie-up for Rohini sectors (availability varies)
Welcome and Seelampur: Pilot programs for last-mile sharing in densely populated zones
Future expansion of Delhi Metro Red Line
Rithala-Kundli corridor of Delhi Metro Phase-IV project approved
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Rithala – Narela -Nathupur (Kundli) corridor of Delhi Metro’s Phase – IV project consisting of 26.463 kms which will further enhance connectivity between the national capital and neighbouring Haryana. The corridor is scheduled to be completed by 2028.
The completion cost of the project is Rs 6,230 crore and is to be implemented Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) the existing 50:50 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Government of India (GoI) and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) in four years.
This line will be an extension of the presently operational Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) – Rithala (Red Line) corridor and will boost connectivity in the north western parts of the national capital in areas such as Narela, Bawana, parts of Rohini etc. This entire stretch will comprise of 21 stations. All the stations of this corridor will be elevated.
After completion, the Rithala – Narela – Nathupur corridor will also connect Shaheed Sthal New Bus Adda station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh with Nathupur in Haryana via Delhi, which will tremendously boost connectivity in the entire National Capital Region.
This new corridor of the phase – IV project will expand the reach of Delhi Metro network in the NCR thereby further boosting the economy. This extension of the Red Line will reduce congestion on the roads, thus, will help in reducing the pollution caused by motor vehicles.
Stations on new corridor of the phase – IV project
This entire stretch will comprise of 21 stations.
- Rithala
- Rohini Sector 25
- Rohini Sector 26
- Rohini Sector 31
- Rohini Sector 32
- Rohini Sector 36
- Barwala
- Rohini Sector 35
- Rohini Sector 34
- Bawana Industrial Area – 1 Sector 3,4,Bawana Industrial Area – 1 Sector 1,2
- Bawana JJ Colony
- Sanoth
- New Sanoth
- Depot Station
- Bhorgarh village
- Anaj Mandi Narela
- Narela DDA Sports Complex
- Narela
- Narela Sector 5
- Kundli
- Nathpur
Delhi Metro Red Line: Real estate impact
Strategic connectivity
The Red Line links Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh to Shahdara, Central Delhi, and northwest Delhi. It serves as a vital connection for commuters from west Delhi and northwest Delhi heading towards Central Delhi, Shahdara, east Delhi and Ghaziabad and vice-versa.
Commercial centres
By acting as the lifeline for several commercial centres in the national capital, the Red Line has also made them more accessible, boosting their commercial value. These include the Kashmere Gate ISBT area, the Ghaziabad Railway Station, the Shahdara Railway Station, the Sarai Rohilla Railways Station, and the Tis Hazari Court.
Residential areas
The Red Line provided connectivity to several underdeveloped areas in the national capital, boosting their value. Improved last-mile connectivity to several under-developed localities led to a higher level of densification and an increase in land and property prices. Rithala and Ghaziabad are an example of that.
Delhi Metro Red Line: Impact on property prices
| Name of area | Prior to metro arrival | After metro arrival | Average property rate before metro psf | Property rate after metro psf |
| Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) | Underdeveloped area, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Hindon | Industrial, limited residential connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Arthala | Village with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 3,000 | Rs 6,000 |
| Mohan Nagar | Limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Shyam Park | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Major Mohit Sharma | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Raj Bagh | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Shaheed Nagar | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Dilshad Garden | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 7,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Jhilmil | Industrial, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Mansarovar Park | Residential, limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Shahdara | Industrial; overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Welcome | Residential, overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Seelampur | Residential, overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Shastri Park | Residential, overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Kashmere Gate | Commercial, overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 7,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Tis Hazari | Commercial, overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 7,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Pul Bangash | Residential area; overcrowded | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Pratap Nagar | Residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Shastri Nagar | Residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Inderlok | Residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Kanhaiya Nagar | Residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Keshav Puram | Residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Netaji Subhash Place | Large commercial, overcrowded area | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 6,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Kohat Enclave | Large residential area with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Pitampura | Large residential overcrowded area | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 5,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Rohini East | Agricultural village with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 8,000 |
| Rohini West | Agricultural village with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 4,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| Rithala | Agricultural village with limited connectivity | Improved connectivity; residential, commercial development | Rs 3,000 | Rs 9,000 |
Source: Housing.com
Reduced traffic congestion and pollution
By reducing vehicular traffic to some of the most densely populated and crowded areas in the city, such as Kashmere Gate ISBT and Old Delhi, the Delhi Metro Red Line has played a significant role in reducing traffic congestion. It has made a significant impact in lowering air and noise pollution in a city, infamous for having one of the worst air qualities in the world.
Housing.com Viewpoint
The Delhi Metro Red Line serves as a lifeline for Delhiites by not only connecting them to vital commercial and residential areas but also by offering a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation that positively impacts the city’s economy, environment, and overall quality of life.
FAQs
How many stations does the Red Line of the Delhi Metro have?
The Red Line of the Delhi Metro consists of 29 stations.
Which station marks the beginning of the Red Line Metro in Delhi?
Shaheed Sthal and Rithala are the starting stations at either side of the Delhi Metro Red Line.
Which stations are among the most frequented on the Red Line metro in Delhi?
Kashmere Gate is the most frequented stop on the Red Line of the Delhi Metro.
What time does the first train depart from the Red Line in Delhi?
The first train on the Red Line of the Delhi Metro departs at 5:30 AM.
When is the last train scheduled to depart from the Red Line in Delhi?
The last train on the Red Line of the Delhi Metro departs at 11:30 PM.
Which metro line is the longest in Delhi?
The Pink Line is the longest one running 59 km and 38 stations.
Which is the shortest Delhi Metro line?
The shortest line in Delhi Metro is the Grey Line running 5.19 km with four stations.
Which is the first metro line in Delhi?
The Red Line was the first line of the Delhi Metro to be constructed and opened.
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