The Supreme Court refused to halt construction work on phase 4 of Delhi Metro, stating that any interference would result in a huge escalation of costs. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Vikram Nath was hearing a petition contending that the economic feasibility of the underground metro is far superior to the elevated metro. It observed that there was provision for the planting of uprooted trees.
The petition claimed that the phase 4 expansion project is being undertaken on ‘deemed forest land’ for which no forest clearance has been obtained.
The apex court stated that there is no doubt that concern for the environment is an important aspect but developmental works such as the Metro railway, which will cater to billions of people and lower carbon emissions since number of vehicles on road will be reduced, cannot be ignored.
The top court has asked the Delhi Metro to be careful in future when planning further metro phases.
The Delhi Metro Phase 4 project comprises six corridors, which include Aerocity to Tughlakabad, Inderlok to Indraprastha, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, Mukundpur to Maujpur, Janakpuri West to R K Ashram, and Rithala to Bawana and Narela.
See also: Delhi Metro Phase 4: Stations list, map, route and latest news on upcoming metro projects in Delhi
