Japan had given very low-interest loan for the construction of Delhi Metro.
Delhi Metro is one of the first modern metro systems of India. Many countries and experts came forward to help in making it and running it. The most important ally among these was Japan. This country gave technology. Gave financial help. Also provided institutional support. Today the network of Delhi Metro is about 416 km. Metro is running on a total of a dozen routes. More than three hundred stations are active. Today Delhi Metro is facilitating the travel of 65-70 lakh people every day. Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on a visit to India. Let us, on this pretext, understand the entire story of Delhi Metro, in whose development Japan has made a major contribution from the beginning till today.
Traffic was increasing in Delhi in the 1990s. Road blockage was common. Air pollution was increasing. Public transport was very weak. There were only buses, which were not enough. Delhi government started planning mass transit on a large scale. Its objective was to reduce crowding and speed up travel. Amidst these efforts, Japan came to the fore. There were already good diplomatic relations between the two countries. Japanese agencies and banks agreed to help. Japan International Cooperation Agency made its important contribution in the initial study of the project. Also provided technical advice and analysis of advantages and disadvantages.
When did the construction of Delhi Metro start?
The construction of Delhi Metro formally started on 1 October 1998 under the leadership of Japanese officials, engineers and E. Sreedharan, known as the Metro Man of India. Meaning, it took many years to finalize this project. To complete this project, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, a joint venture of Delhi Government and Central Government, was already formed on 3 May 1995.
Japan’s PM on India tour Takaichi. Photo: PTI
When did the first metro run?
The first metro service started on 24 December 2002 in a very limited time. It took almost four years for the officers to fulfill this dream of Delhi. The first operational section was a part of the Red Line. The first metro ran from Shahdara to Tis Hazari. This is about 8.35 km long route, which is elevated. Later, new routes were added one after the other and today Delhi Metro is established as the lifeline of the central capital.
Japan gave loan, grant and also resources
Huge capital was required for the construction of Delhi Metro. Japan gave extremely low-interest loans. Japanese banks and the government provided large loans. These loans were for long term and on favorable terms. This made it easier to handle the financial burden of the project. In some cases, grants were also sanctioned in the form of technical assistance. Modern metro technology was received from Japan. This included track design, signaling system, and train control system. Japanese companies helped in the supply of rolling stock. He was known for his train design and reliable interiors. Japanese experts also gave proper training to Indian engineers. Japan has a big contribution in the form of metro that is visible in Delhi today.
Important role in project management and institution building
Japan suggested good models of project management. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation received advice on how to deliver the work in a timely and cost-controlled manner. Jika and Japanese contractors paid attention to work quality and safety standards. This helped Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to create a strong institutional culture. Many Japanese contractors took part in the construction. They used machinery like tunnel boring machines and advanced shuttering technology. Japanese technology was very useful especially in lower level works and station construction. This made the work faster and consistent.
set safety and operating standards
The Japanese experience strengthened safety standards. Emergency procedures, fire safety and service routines were improved with Japanese advice. Signaling and control systems gained higher reliability. This had an impact on passenger confidence. Japanese advice also paid attention to urban development around stations. Simple connectivity, walkways, and infrastructure maintenance strategies were adopted. Due to this, the stations not only remained transit points, but also stimulated the development of the surrounding area.
Modern metro technology was received from Japan. Photo: PTI
Challenges came and solutions also emerged
Many challenges arose during the project. There were cost overruns, land acquisition issues, and deadline pressures. Japanese components often emphasized high quality and timeliness. India and Japan together found solutions. The project moved forward with loan restructuring, contract management and effective coordination. Delhi Metro was constructed in several phases. In the first phase, some major routes were built. Japan’s cooperation made the first phase successful. There was Japanese banking and technical involvement in the later stages as well. With the expansion new lines, more trains and better systems were added.
If Metro creates employment, it also brings economic benefits.
The construction of Metro had a positive impact on the local economy. Careers are built, business grows and employment opportunities are available. Japanese investment activated the local manufacturing industry and supply chain. In the long run, there was economic benefit by reducing the cost and time of transportation. Metro reduced dependence on cars and buses. This reduced air pollution. Energy efficiency improved due to Japanese technology. Electric trains proved helpful in reducing pollution. The mind shudders to imagine that if there was no metro, what would have been the condition of Delhi today? In what form would the traffic be in front of us?
Japan is also helping in the country’s first bullet train project after the metro. Photo: Getty Images
Delhi Metro strengthened the relations between the two countries
Delhi Metro project strengthened India-Japan relations. Trust increased between the two countries. Japan also gave advice in other Indian cities. Both countries benefited from sharing experiences. Japan is also helping the country’s first bullet train project, which is being built between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The Government of India has formed National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited for this project. The same is taking the Bullet Train project forward.
Today Delhi Metro has become a big and developed network. Construction and expansion of new lines continues. Japan’s cooperation was early and continuous through many means. There remains a possibility of technical partnership and financial cooperation in future also. Japan helped in many ways in building Delhi Metro. He gave financial assistance. Shared technical knowledge. Assisted in training and project management. This created a world class metro system in Delhi. This cooperation is an example of a successful international partnership.
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