Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
· The first-ever corridor of the Delhi Metro was inaugurated by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India, on 24th December 2002.
· This marked a significant milestone in India's public transportation system, and the Delhi Metro has since expanded to become one of the largest and most efficient metro networks in the world.
· The initial line, known as the Red Line, ran between Shahdara and Tis Hazari, covering a distance of about 8.4 kilometers.
· The Delhi Metro project, which was spearheaded by E Sreedharan (the “Metro Man”), brought modern and efficient mass transit to the Indian capital, significantly reducing travel time for commuters and offering a cleaner, more sustainable mode of transport.
· The network has grown significantly, spanning over 390 kilometers as of 2023.
Additional Knowledge:
· E Sreedharan: Known as the "Metro Man of India," E Sreedharan was instrumental in the planning and execution of the Delhi Metro project. Though he did not inaugurate the first corridor, his leadership was critical in ensuring the project was completed ahead of time.
· Madan Lal Khurana: He was the Chief Minister of Delhi at the time the Delhi Metro project began. He played a role in the initial planning and approvals but was not directly involved in inaugurating the first corridor.
· Manmohan Singh: Dr. Manmohan Singh, who became Prime Minister of India in 2004, supported the Delhi Metro's expansion during his tenure, but he was not involved in the inauguration of the first corridor.