Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy said Metro rail system in cities like Mumbai and Chennai will be built on standard gauge, which is used in most of the new age transport systems in the world.
Reddy said the standard gauge is cost-effective when compared to the broad gauge system, which is being used in Delhi Metro so far. Speaking to reporters after flagging off the country's first standard gauge train on DMRC's Inderlok-Mundka route, Reddy said it was a historic occasion.
"It is an historic occasion. This is the first such kind of a corridor in the country. It is a milestone in the country's metro system," he said.
"Since the standard gauge system is used in 95 per cent of metro systems in the world, the upcoming metro projects in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities will have standard gauge," he said.
"By adopting standard gauge, we can save money and DMRC has told me that it has saved Rs 72 crore (Rs 720 million) on this 15.1 km stretch (Inderlok-Mundka) by adopting this system," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said with the Phase-II of the DMRC nearing completion by this year, the DMRC has started preparations for the Phase-III. A Detailed Project Report of the Phase-III is being prepared by the DMRC.
"I feel proud to be here on the opening of this line. I commend the whole team led by DMRC chief E Sreedharan," she said.
