PM Modi to launch Hindon airbase, Delhi Metro’s new corridor on March 8

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate civilian flight operations from Hindon airbase on Friday and will also launch the Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda section of Delhi Metro's Red Line. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already given its approval for the use of the airbase for civilian flights under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).

As per the plan, Modi will reach Hindon airbase from Kanpur on Friday and then travel by road to the New Bus Adda metro station. Following the launch of the metro corridor, he will return to the Hindon airbase to inaugurate civilian flight operations and address a public meeting at an adjacent ground, District Magistrate Ritu Maheshwari said.

UDAN scheme

Launched in 2017, UDAN seeks to make flying more affordable for the public and connect unserved and under-served airports. Apart from serving as a site for the operation of flights under UDAN, Hindon airbase is also expected to ease the load on the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The other showpiece of the day, the 9.4 km-long Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda section of the Red Line will be an extension of the 25.09-km Rithala-Dilshad Garden corridor, comprising 21 stations.

Stations in elevated section

The eight stations in the elevated section are Shahid Nagar, Raj Bagh, Rajendra Nagar, Shyam Park, Mohan Nagar, Arthala, Hindon River Station and New Bus Adda. The people of Ghaziabad will benefit greatly by this section, enabling the satellite city to connect with New Delhi.

With 244 metro stations, the Delhi Metro network will cover 336.5 km following the launch of this section. The Delhi Metro's current operational span is 327 km with 236 stations. Close to 4,000 police personnel, besides the National Security Guard (NSG), would be deployed to provide security during the Prime Minister's visit, DIG Upendra Agarwal said.