Matka Chowk to be dismantled for constructing Metro station

As per the detailed project report (DPR) of the Metro Rail submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation,one of the landmarks of the city that would be affected would be the Matka Chowk. The roundabout is characterised by a fountain located in the middle that is shaped like a matka or earthen pot. Hence,the name of the roundabout. The roundabout would be dismantled for construction of an underground station. After the construction is over,the roundabout is likely to be reconstructed. For the construction of the metro station in Sector 17,digging work would take place at the Football Ground in Sector 17. The ground is likely to remain closed for some time because of this. A decision is yet to be taken on what would be done with the earth that is excavated.

Roundabouts at all major intersections was a concept of Le Corbusier. While designing the roads,Corbusier had stated that all major intersections should have roundabouts instead of traffic lights to ensure free flow of traffic. Due to the increasing traffic,it has become necessary to install traffic lights at the roundabouts. However,it would be for the first time that a roundabout would be dismantled and then reconstructed. There would be a total of four stations on the Madhya Marg. It would be in sectors 9,17,22,34,43,26 as well as near the Capitol Complex that the metro stations would be underground. At the remaining places,these would be elevated.

When the proposal for Metro Rail was floated in the city,one of the concerns was that the city’s character should not be tampered with. That is why within the sectoral grid,the Metro is underground. It is when the corridors reach the peripheral areas that the Metro would be elevated. For the construction of Metro station even where these are underground in the sectoral grid,the structures above these would be dismantled. For the construction of the corridors,the tunnelling system would be used. This would be done to ensure that the green cover of the city is not damaged. For this reason,the corridors for the Metro Rail within the city are being constructed below the medians.

Metro matters

A Metro station is to be constructed near the railway station. Two entry structures have been planned on the end closer to the railway station. Both will exist on the parking areas on eastern side of the railway station. The structure to the south of the alignment will have a connection to foot overbridge to facilitate transfer of passengers.

The metro station that is to be constructed near the Capitol Complex is being planned in such a manner that the person entering the station is able to get a clear view of the most renowned work of Le Corbusier.

For the purpose of ticketing,Store Value Contactless Smart Card would be used in case of multiple trips. The detailed project report states that the system of smart cards would prove to be more economical in the long run. In caseof manual ticketing,people would have to be hired and salaries paid. The automatic system,says the report,would be more efficient as well.