Trial runs have just begun on the Central Secretariat - Lajput Nagar section of the Badarpur corridor on the Violet line. The line joins a network - totaling over 120 stations both elevated and underground - that has been extended since construction began in 2002.

Linking up the National Capital Region

Once complete the Delhi Metro will connect Delhi with Noida and Gurgaon, growing hubs for India's outsourcing, BPO and software industries, providing Delhiites and overseas workers with a comfortable, low cost - single fares start at R's 8 (around £0.12) - alternative to Delhi's roads.

Relieving a creaking infrastructure

The city has a population of 14 million. Ageing buses and auto rickshaw's provide the primary means to get around. A new fleet of modern buses has arrived but they are not without problems.

The cities roads are congested, car ownership is increasing and carbon emissions are choking Delhi, a report by ECA International revealed that Delhi has the world's worst air pollution.

Benchmark for public transport

With out the Metro, Delhi's transport infrastructure wouldn't keep pace with economic growth. There would be gridlock and the city would become increasingly inefficient.

The impressive Metro is on a par with Singapore's MRT system, it has created the benchmark for Indian public transport infrastructure. Delhi is set to benefit commercially and socially from this impressive feat of engineering and design, other cities must now follow.

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