Both links are scheduled to be completed by 2010, when the National Capital Region hosts the Commonwealth Games, and commuters to and from the IT hub can look forward to a smooth ride once the lines are in place.

At a recent meeting, DLF and DMRC firmed up plans for the two systems to run in a synchronised manner, with commuters being able to use Delhi Metro cards on DLF trains and vice versa, Newsline has learnt.

“If the DLF Metro is up and functional at the same time as the Metro line coming from Delhi, Gurgaon will become more accessible and feasible for the public,” said C B K Rao, executive director with DLF. He said construction on the first private Metro link in the country will start soon. The link is expected to be completed in time for the Games and will coincide with the completion of the DMRC line.

The DLF Metro rail — it runs from Sikandarpur Chowk till the upcoming Mall of India near NH 8 Expressway — will move adjacent to the Delhi Metro station on Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road. Paperwork between DMRC and DLF is yet to be finalised but Rao said the two companies have reached a “mutual understanding” and in the last couple of months both teams have worked together to design this interconnected Metro station.

The two stations are to be connected by an overhead pass. Rao said, “We are not even going to place gates or barriers between the two stations. We want to encourage commuters to use both rail systems.”

Compared to Delhi Metro, the DLF rail project is much smaller and, thus, rather different in nature, Rao said. A former DMRC employee himself, Rao said unlike DMRC, the monorail system is more cost-effective and will operate from one only level — the commuter can buy tickets and, after security check, can walk right into the train, instead of having to climb up or down to reach the platform.

“As I have worked closely with DMRC in the initial projects and are trying to address all issues missing in Delhi Metro projects that are now being incorporated in their new expansion projects,” he said.

The cost-effective construction and maintenance are the main aspects in this light that will be radically different from the DMRC.

DLF officials said their present plan is to charge a flat Rs 10 per commuter for the 3.5-km stretch. They said the fare is in accordance with the minimum fare DMRC plans to charge in 2010 for the same distance.