New in Dwarka: split-level stations, shopping centres

In line with its blueprint to make the Delhi Metro accessible for every commuter, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is all set to commission the 6.5 km-long extension of Line 3 into Dwarka with 6 stations spread out at a distance of just a kilometre each. Newsline takes a look at the extension scheduled for opening next week.
* Stations here are different in that all of them will be two-level— ground or concourse and platform. ticketing Room, Station Control Room, Revenue Room, Telecom Equipment Room, UPS Room and Customer Care Room will be at the ground level.
* Toilets have been planned outside the paid area but inside the station. A huge parking area will be created. The strip below viaduct piers is being made green for aesthetic purposes. Structures for harvesting water will be built at all six stations in Dwarka sub-city and the two stations in extension to Sector 22. There will be four 3.2-metre diameter wells on four corners of each station
* Instead of a single huge pier, there are two small ones on which tracks will be laid. casting and launching is being done on location to help save time and cost. A permanent laboratory has been created for regular quality testing and assurance.
* The DDA is planning to construct District Centres near all these stations. Integrated parking arrangement for the DDA and Metro commuters can be made at these Centres. Stations have been equipped with fire/smoke detectors, fire extinguishers at these levels. Emergency exits have been provided at the ground level. Bird spikes at electric poles will prevent birds from sitting there so that they do not cause any damage
* The State Transport Authority has approved seven RTV feeder routes connecting Dwarka MRTS stations. As regards DTC buses, two bus routes— Gurgaon to Sector 9 MRTS station and Kapashera Border to Sector 9 MRTS station— have been cleared for operations as soon as the extension into Dwarka sub-city opens.
* Extension to Dwarka sector 22 from Sector 9 will have two stations at sector 8 and sector 22. After the Sector 8 station, the line will run at a gradient via a ramp. The station at Sector 22 will be at ground level. Besides the platform, the station will also have some “stabling lines” so that trains can be stabled overnight.