Press Release

New Delhi, December 24, 2022: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have completed 20 years of shining and showcasing collaboration today. To commemorate 20 years of the successful operation of Delhi Metro, a ceremony in the auspicious presence of HE Japanese Ambassador Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki and other dignitaries was held at the Welcome Metro Station, New Delhi (from where the First Metro Train was flagged off by the then Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Bajpayee) to celebrate this milestone of 20 years of successful journey of Delhi Metro operations. Mr. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director, Corporate Communication, DMRC delivered the welcome address, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India Office; Mr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC; Mr. Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India, among others witnessed the said ceremony. During the occasion, an exhibition commemorating 20 years of the Operations and DMRC-JICA partnership was also unveiled.

The first Loan Agreement between the Government of India and Japan's OECF (JICA's erstwhile entity) concluded on February 25, 1997, since then, the economic cooperation between Japan and India has flourished to newer heights despite several challenges. Today, Delhi Metro is well known as Shining Example of Indo-Japanese Cooperation globally. It is to be recalled here that the then Hon'ble Prime Minister had inaugurated the first section of 8.3 km-long on Red Line having six stations in 2002. As on date, JICA has already extended financial assistance amounting to 825.184 billion (approx. INR 550.122 billion) for the development of Phase-1, 2, 3 & ongoing Phase 4. Upon completion of the ongoing Phase-4, Delhi Metro's total system route length would stretch to over 415 kms (one of the largest metros in the world).

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India Office, said, "It is encouraging to observe how JICA and DMRC's collaboration has evolved and expanded over these two decades. DMRC's continued efforts in the field of clean energy, and in more recent times the proactive response to COVID-19 have gained impressive results. It is a proud moment for us to note that Delhi Metro, has reported a phenomenal reduction of carbon footprint of 4.4 million tons thereby promoting environment conservation. JICA also appreciates the impact DMRC has had on women's safety and empowerment. Keeping in mind that women tend to use public transport more than men, improvement in the public transport system has shown immediate positive results with more women finding it safe to commute on the metro. This has also helped increase their ratio in the employment."

"DMRC has developed its capacity not only to create a successful model of project implementation as executer, but also provide knowledge assistance in developing the Metro sector across the country, as well as globally. We wish to continue to have future cooperation with DMRC, but in the form of the handholding support specially in sustainability of the operations, technological innovations, environment protection, non-fare box revenue, renewable energy utilization, and helping DMRC in making world leader in Metro Rail operations and quality infrastructure development," he further added.

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure (PDF)
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91) 9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com