Directed by Mr. Satish Pande and produced by Mr. Anuj Dayal, the documentary Pillars of Progress: The Epic Story of Delhi Metro was premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India, Goa. the film narrates the inspiring journey of the Delhi Metro and its pivotal role in revolutionizing urban transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The event began with the screening of the trailer, offering a glimpse into the Metro’s evolution from its initial planning phases to becoming one of the world’s largest urban transport systems. The documentary covers key milestones, such as the implementation of cutting-edge technology like driverless trains, incorporating elements for environmental benefits, and the operational challenges of constructing a massive infrastructure network in a city as historically complex as Delhi.
Director Satish Pande, who has been documenting the progress of the Delhi Metro for over three decades, shared insights about the purpose of the film: – “This documentary serves as a historical record of the Delhi Metro’s transformation over the past 35 years. It captures the challenges, innovations, and the remarkable impact this project has had on millions of lives.”
Producer Anuj Dayal, reflecting on the significance of the Delhi Metro, remarked: “The Delhi Metro represents the largest urban development intervention in independent India. Despite initial skepticism and numerous challenges, we successfully built a world-class network that now spans 400 kilometers, providing safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transportation to over 17 lakh daily commuters. This documentary celebrates these achievements and preserves the journey for posterity.”
During the discussion, Mr. Anuj Dayal highlighted how the Delhi Metro integrated advanced infrastructure into an ancient and densely populated city, achieving global recognition for its innovations and sustainability. He further noted that the lessons learned from building of the Kolkata Metro, India’s first metro system, played a crucial role in shaping Delhi Metro’s success.
Mr. Satish Pande expressed openness to exploring cinematic storytelling beyond documentaries. “While this documentary captures real-life milestones, we are open to developing feature films based on compelling narratives inspired by the Delhi Metro. Such a project would require a well-crafted storyline and a fresh creative approach.”
With Phase Four of the network underway, Mr. Satish Pande hinted at creating another documentary upon its completion, showcasing the continued growth and impact of the Metro. The filmmakers reaffirmed their commitment to documenting the Metro’s progress and exploring new formats to narrate this compelling story.
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