India, Dec. 24 -- The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the expansion of the Delhi Metro by 16 km across three corridors (Phase 5A), covering 13 new stations, a decision that coincided with the 23rd anniversary of the launch of metro operations in the city.

The first of these new corridors is between RK Ashram Marg and Indraprastha (9.9 km), while the other two are from Aerocity to Airport Terminal-1 (2.3 km) and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km).

All these lines are expected to be ready in three years and will cost Rs.12,015 crore.

"With these new lines, there will be a reduction in carbon emissions by 33,000 tonnes every year," information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters after the meeting of the cabinet...