Functionality, Sustainability, Accessibility, Affordability - 4 Pillars of a Smart DMRC: Manisha Singh, Chief Architect, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) ensures its energy-efficient and passenger-centric design infrastructure integrates with the surrounding urban fabric. In an exclusive interaction, Manisha Singh, Chief Architect, DMRC, also explains to Nisha Samant, Associate Editor, APAC Media, how DMRC is leveraging digital tools and smart design technologies to improve planning, execution and efficiency.

How does DMRC ensure that the architectural design of metro stations and infrastructure integrates with the surrounding urban fabric while maintaining functionality and aesthetics?

Contextual Integration as Priority: At DMRC, we design every station to blend seamlessly with the city’s fabric, ensuring its part of the urban environment rather than isolated—starting with detailed site studies of local heritage, traffic, and community needs.
Heritage and Modern Blend Example: For stations like Kashmiri Gate, we’ve merged designs with surrounding heritage sites, using elements like sandstone cladding and motifs, while handling over 9 lakh daily passengers through efficient layouts.
Multi-Modal Hubs for Connectivity: We integrate with other transport modes, such as at Hauz Khas or Chhatarpur (a pilot MMI project with parking for 100 cars, bus bays, and pedestrian links), creating seamless connections to buses, autos, and walkways to reduce congestion.
Aesthetic and Functional Balance: Elevated corridors feature façade treatments, landscaping, and noise barriers for visual harmony; for instance, in Phase IV’s Janakpuri West-RK Ashram extension (partially opened in January 2025), we’ve used green spaces and public art to enhance aesthetics without compromising smooth passenger flow.
Urban Decongestion Alignment: Our designs support NDMC’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) by promoting pedestrian plazas and integrated hubs, like in the Central Vista project, where underground metro links (planned 6-km stretch) connect new buildings to existing lines for better urban flow.
Overall Impact: This approach ensures functionality (e.g., wide entrances, natural lighting) and aesthetics (clean lines, local culture-inspired art), helping manage over 6 to 7 million daily riders while earning green building awards.

What sustainable and energy-efficient design principles are incorporated into DMRC projects to align with India’s green building norms and climate goals?

Core Sustainability Focus: DMRC pioneered earning carbon credits as the world’s first metro, aligning with India’s Paris Agreement goals and norms like IGBC, GRIHA, and LEED.
Solar Power Initiatives: We’ve installed over 50 MWp of solar panels on rooftops and depots, generating clean energy for 30 per cent of operations and reducing CO2 emissions by over 600,000 tons annually.
Across-the-Board Green Standards: Our green commitment shines in both Phase III and IV—stations like ITO and Mundka (Phase III) boast IGBC Platinum ratings, alongside depots like Mukundpur RSS and even staff quarters like Metro Enclave-Saket, Staff Quarters-Noida. For Phase IV, all 65 km of new lines, including the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block link (Rs 447 crore, set for 2026), are designed with IGBC Platinum goals, using rainwater harvesting, recycled materials, and energy-efficient designs everywhere.
Energy-Efficient Technologies: We use LED lighting, regenerative braking (recycling train energy), and efficient HVAC systems across the network; passive designs like natural daylighting and double-skin façades cut energy use by up to 20 per cent.
Broader Climate Alignment: In congested areas, we promote modal shifts via MMI at stations like Majlis Park, Chhatarpur, Hauz Khas, and many more, supporting NDMC’s decongestion plans by reducing road traffic and fuel savings of over 400,000 tons yearly.
Future Expansions: Upcoming corridors, expected by March 2026, include green roofs and net-zero elements, contributing to urban resilience and India’s climate targets.

How does your team address universal accessibility and passenger-centric design in metro stations to enhance comfort, safety, and inclusivity?

A Mission for All: At DMRC, our mission is to serve customers—including our differently abled commuters—with passion, following guidelines like ramps, elevators, tactile paths, Braille and audio signage, drop-offs, accessible parking, and kerb ramps across all operational stations.
Guided Excellence in Design: We’ve built on frameworks like the Harmonised Guidelines & Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021, National Building Code 2016 and Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. This work earned us the National Award for Outstanding Work in Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in 2008 and the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in
Pilot and Standard Designs: Piloted barrier-free access at Dwarka Sector 21 and Noida City Centre; now standard in Phase IV, like the Janakpuri West-Krishna Park section (opened January 2025), with wider platforms and audio announcements in multiple languages.
Passenger Comfort Features: Enhanced with better lighting, climate-controlled spaces, seating, and wayfinding, real-time crowd monitoring via CCTV prevents overcrowding, boosting comfort for over 40 per cent females
Safety Measures: Platform screen doors on new lines reduce accidents by 90 per cent; women-only coaches, well-lit areas, and staff support ensure safety, with family zones like nursing rooms in upcoming Corridors.
MMI for Broader Access: We’ve seamlessly integrated ramps with bus stops and parking facilities to ensure barrier-free access for all users, including those with diverse mobility needs. This initiative aligns with efforts to decongest multimodal hubs and metro stations, and has earned recognition from the United Nations for promoting inclusive transport infrastructure. Additionally, we’ve designed dedicated drop-off zones and exclusive lanes for cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and Gramin Sewa vehicles, alongside well-marked pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks to support safe and sustainable mobility.

Can you share any innovative architectural solutions or use of advanced materials/technologies that have recently been adopted in DMRC projects?

Engineering Marvels: Hauz Khas stands as our deepest metro station, with tunnels intersecting at record depths, showcasing how we tackle complex urban layers, while the Dhaula Kuan section boasts the highest elevated viaduct, where a flyover and two viaducts meet, blending functionality with bold design.
Space-Saving Designs: On the Pink Line’s Majlis Park-Maujpur extension, double-decker viaducts let metro trains run above roads, maximising space in crowded areas.
Advanced Materials: At Kalkaji Mandir, precast structures sped construction by 30 per cent. We use fibre-reinforced polymers, recycled rubber panels to cut noise by 20 dB, and low-VOC paints for healthier stations.
Phase IV Innovations: In Phase IV, we’re using precast materials, pre-engineered railings, modern cubicles, optimised rooms, and shorter station lengths with no false flooring in the SCR, boosting efficiency and reducing costs.
Cultural and Tech Fusion: In Patna Metro (DMRC Assisted), a heritage tunnel links Bihar and Patna Museums with thematic designs, while smart glass facades and 3D-printed custom elements enhance our stations. Our 300+ driverless trains on Magenta and Pink Lines lead the tech charge.
Central Vista Integration: Planned underground links use earthquake-resistant base isolators, supporting NDMC’s urban plans for seamless, safe connectivity.

How is DMRC leveraging digital tools such as BIM (Building Information Modelling) and smart design technologies to improve planning, execution, and efficiency?

Full BIM Integration in Phase IV: All new corridors under Phase IV — including the Janakpuri West–RK Ashram line (which has achieved around 67 per cent physical progress as of June 2025) — are being executed with full BIM adoption.
3D Modelling & Clash Detection: With BIM, we develop 3D digital models of the project where architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) services are layered together. Using platforms like Navisworks, Revit, and SketchUp, we can identify conflicts at the design stage itself. This has helped us reduce on-site errors by nearly 40 per cent compared to conventional practices.
Common Data Environment (CDE): BIM provides a single source of truth where all stakeholders — architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers — can access real-time data. This eliminates duplication of work, enhances transparency, and ensures smoother collaboration.
Lifecycle & Asset Management: We view BIM not just as a design tool, but as a lifecycle management platform. The same digital model is being linked with O&M data, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient asset management once the corridor becomes operational.
Smart Monitoring & Analytics: By integrating BIM with IoT sensors and dashboards, DMRC is moving towards real-time monitoring of construction progress. This allows us to track timelines, resources, and safety compliance on the go.
Efficiency Gains: Overall, BIM and digital design tools have enabled us to cut construction time by nearly 20 per cent, reduce wastage, and deliver cost-efficient, sustainable, and passenger-centric infrastructure.

What are the major architectural challenges you foresee in expanding metro networks in congested urban areas, and how is DMRC preparing to address them?

Key Challenges in Congested Urban Areas

Space & Alignment Constraints

In dense areas like Old Delhi, the right-of-way (ROW) is extremely limited. Alignments must pass through narrow roads, closely packed settlements, and old buildings with weak foundations.
Heritage areas and Lutyens’ Zone under NDMC, where architectural control and preservation rules apply, add another layer of complexity.

Heritage & Environmental Sensitivity

Construction in zones with protected monuments and heritage precincts demands special care to avoid structural impacts.
In the Ridge area, ecological sensitivity limits heavy construction. Near the Yamuna floodplains, a low water table adds risks of seepage and settlement.

Seismic Risks

Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, which means metro infrastructure must be designed for high earthquake resilience, adding to structural complexity.

Disruption to Communities

In already built-up areas, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic, businesses, and residents is a challenge.
Environmental concerns like air quality, noise, and dust need strict management during construction.

Land Acquisition Hurdles

Acquiring land in NDMC and heritage areas often involves lengthy
Balancing expansion with urban decongestion plans, such as the Common Mobility Plan (CMP) requires negotiation with multiple

How DMRC is Preparing to Address These Challenges

Advanced Construction Techniques

Deployment of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) with minimal vibration technology, ensuring nearly 50% less surface impact compared to older methods.

Use of cut-and-cover and micro-tunnelling methods for short, shallow stretches to minimise disturbance.
Modular construction technologies are being adopted to save time and reduce disruption.

Robust Geotechnical & Seismic Planning

Extensive geotechnical surveys and soil-structure interaction studies are undertaken before tunnelling, especially near the Yamuna and Ridge areas.
Designs are reinforced to withstand Zone IV earthquake risks with enhanced structural safety measures.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

DMRC has engaged with over 5,000 stakeholders in recent projects — from RWAs to shopkeepers — ensuring local cooperation and mitigating grievances.
Proactive traffic management plans are implemented in consultation with civic agencies to minimise road congestion.

Environmental & Heritage Safeguards

Continuous monitoring of air and noise quality at construction sites
Coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and NDMC for heritage-sensitive zones, ensuring protective works for old
Adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, dust suppression systems, and controlled disposal of excavation debris.

Future Readiness & Capacity Building

Phase IV is progressing towards March 2026 completion, expanding the network by 103 km.
By 2030, DMRC aims to touch 500 km, supported by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing.
In-house teams are being trained in digital construction tools, modular technologies, and resilience planning, drawing lessons from Phases I–III and even post-COVID recoveries.