What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recently celebrated another milestone as its documentary, ‘Pillars of Progress: The Epic Story of Delhi Metro,’ was screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Featured in the prestigious Indian Panorama under the non-feature film category, this 30-minute film provides an in-depth look at the creation of the Delhi Metro, highlighting the determination and innovation that made this urban transport marvel possible.
Starting from the late 1980s, the documentary ‘Pillars of Progress’ narrates the compelling journey of the DMRC team as they navigated various challenges to bring the metro system to life. This documentary is a testament to human tenacity and the power of collective vision. It shows how the Delhi Metro rose against all odds to revolutionize public transportation in the national capital. The film captures the essence of the Metro’s development, from its initial conceptualization to the eventual inauguration of its extensive network, which today spans nearly 400 kilometres.
The Epic Story of Delhi Metro
From engineering challenges to cinematic success, Delhi Metro’s Pillars of Progress shines at the 55th International Film Festival (IFFI), celebrating the inspiring journey that transformed urban transport in India.#delhimetro pic.twitter.com/lLvx2F8L9W
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) November 26, 2024
The documentary also pays tribute to E Sreedharan, famously known as the ‘Metro Man of India,’ whose leadership was instrumental in the project’s success. Through rare footage and insightful commentary, ‘Pillars of Progress’ chronicles the numerous obstacles faced by the team, including working through Delhi’s congested areas and ensuring minimal disruption to daily life during construction.
DMRC has a history of producing award-winning films that document its engineering feats. Previously, their films ‘The Dream Fulfilled-Memories of the Engineering Challenges’ and ‘Surmounting Challenges- an Incredible Tale of Time’ have been honoured in the Indian Panorama of IFFI in 2012 and 2022 editions, respectively.
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The film also highlights the crucial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which provided soft loans and technical expertise to kickstart the project. The first phase of the Delhi Metro was inaugurated in 2002, and by 2011, the network extended to 190 kilometres, further expanding to meet the demands of the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
As the Delhi Metro continues to grow, adding 65 kilometres in its fourth phase, ‘Pillars of Progress’ serves as an updated historical account, celebrating the DMRC’s relentless pursuit of progress and its monumental impact on urban transportation in India.
