All You Need To Know About Gurgaon Rapid Metro

It was in November 2013 that many of the commuters from the national capital taking the Delhi Metro to travel to the Millennium City took a sigh of relief after the Gurgaon Rapid Metro became operational. Since then this rapid transit system has become a lifeline for the commuters travelling to some of the key commercial and residential areas in Gurugram.

The commuters otherwise have been dependent on autos, private cabs and their own vehicles to move around the area. And, we all are well-aware about the traffic situation in Gurugram.

However, this has changed ever since the Rapid Metro became operational and spread its wings.

Also Read: Direct Metro To Connect Gurgaon With Faridabad

This project is now expected to expand further as the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) on May 27 approved a detailed project report for a Metro connectivity between HUDA City Centre and Cyber City/Rapid Metro. The new Metro route, which would be 31.11-km long, will have 25 stations and six interchange points. The project would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5,126 crore, and is likely to become operational by 2023.

The proposed stations on the new route are: HUDA City Centre, Sector 45, Cyber Park, Sector 46, Sector 47, Sector 48, Technology Park, Udyog Vihar Phase 6, Sector 10, Sector 37, Basai, Sector 9, Sector 7, Sector 4, Sector 5, Ashok Vihar, Sector 3, Krishna Chowk, Palam Vihar Extension, Palam Vihar, Sector 23 A, Sector 22, Udyog Vihar Phase IV and V and Cyber City.

Here is all you need to know about the existing Rapid Metro network:

The project: The Gurgaon Rapid Metro is an 11.7-km transit system, the first phase of which became operational in November 2013. It was in March 2017 that this system was further extended and the second phase became operational. Moreover, there are plans to add another 5.3 km to the project in the third phase, making it a 17-km stretch.

Also Read: Metro To Give A New Lease Of Life To Old Gurgaon

This project is world’s only privately financed Metro network, handled and maintained by Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS).

Connectivity: Designed to make commute easy for the rising population of the Millennium City, the Gurgaon Rapid Metro is connected to the Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line at the Sikanderpur Metro Station. From this station the Rapid Metro moves to some of the prime areas of Gurugram, including Cyber City, DLF Phase 2,DLF Phase 3, the NH-8 and the Golf Course Road.

Stations and fares: Gurgaon Rapid Metro has 11 stations – Sikanderpur Station, Phase 2 Station, Vodafone Belvedere Towers Station, IndusInd Bank CyberCity Station, Micromax Moulsari Avenue Station, Phase 3 Station, Phase 1 Station, Sector 42-43 Station, Vivo Sector 53-54 Station, Sector 54 Chowk Station and Sector 55-56 Station. There are a total of 12 trains that ply on this route and are available from 6 am to 12.36 am.

There is a standard fare to any of the Rapid Metro stations when you punch your card or token from Sikanderpur Metro Station. However, you are travelling from the Yellow Line to any station on the Rapid Metro, the fares depend on the distance between the two stations.

Technology: New-age technology drives the Gurgaon Rapid Metro. These trains have four coaches that are equipped with ATP/ATC system that reduces the speed of the train at curves to avoid noise generation.

These trains can also regenerate power and re-feed the line during braking. Regenerative braking technology helps reduce carbon emissions and earns valuable carbon credits under the UN's Clean Development Mechanism.

Fun services: Not just commutation, there is more to Gurgaon Rapid Metro. There are certain fun services that this system offers. You can celebrate your birthday here. A service called Birthday on Wheels lets you celebrate your birthday with a train completely dedicated to you with various fun activities, including magic show, tattoo making and other games.

Also, it provides educational programme that is organised from time to time. One can register for these programmes through their website or social media pages.

To promote group travelling, Rapid Metro also offers Hassle-Free Ride service where in a school or a corporate could book a coach. The group will have a dedicated coach to itself.

Branding: Privately-owned, this system provides brands with ample opportunities to promote themselves. For instance, stations such as IndusInd Bank CyberCity Station, Micromax Moulsari Avenue Station, have been taken up by the respective brands for promotion. These brands also maintain these stations. It also allows train branding and also, provides Metro stations to organise events, launches and flash mobs.