New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) In a first of its kind, Delhi Metro has set up two sub-stations six metres below the ground level that will provide power to the Airport Metro Express Line (AMEL) and the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line, an official said Thursday.

The sub-stations are situated at Luytens zone and the transformers are erected six metres below the ground level, hence it will not hinder the view of the Rashtrapthi Bhavan, Metro Director (Electrical) Satish Kumar said.

“It is for the first time we are coming out with such a sub-station in the city. Transformers have been lowered to six feet while gas insulated switchgear and control room are seven metres below the ground level. A special ventilation arrangement is made,” Kumar said.

According to Metro, a unique layout was made to meet the requirements of the Central Vista Committee (CVC) under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) which specified that no part of the sub-station could be above ground except the boundary wall.

“It took us about a year to build the two sub-station in a 500 square metre area. It cost around Rs.60 crore. Underground sub-stations are more common abroad as it helps save space. It will not disturb the surroundings,” Kumar said.

Delhi Metro has 14 sub-stations. For Phase III, it will be coming out with nine more sub-stations.