New Delhi, the capital of India, has seen tremendous population growth over the past decade. However, the reliance of its 14 million inhabitants on road transportation―in particular public transport buses―has resulted in massive traffic congestion and air pollution. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), an agency funded by the Indian government and local Delhi governments, sought to build a mass transit system that would bring a much-needed sustainable and viable means of transportation to the city's residents. PB assisted the DMRC by providing program management services for Phase 1 of the new Delhi Metro―an ambitious, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly urban transport system designed to move more than 3 million passengers per day.  

The Delhi Metro is not only one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in India, but a vital development in the growth of the Delhi region. The project's first phase comprised the design and construction of lines 1, 2, and 3. In total, Phase 1 was 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) in length, with 12 km (7.5 miles) underground and 50 km (31 miles) at-grade or elevated. It featured 53 stations, including 10 underground; three maintenance depots; and extensive joint development. These corridors connect residential areas with Delhi's business center as well as with the university and shopping areas, enabling the population to move quickly among work, education and recreation districts.

In December 2002, nearly 800,000 people flocked to the official opening of the 8.3-kilometer (5.1-mile) section of Line 1 between Shahdara and Tis Hazari. In October 2003, an additional four stations and 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) of service line were also opened. The third and final leg of Line 1 was completed in March 2004, with eight more stations and 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) of service line opening for revenue service.

The first 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) segment of Line 2 opened to the public in December 2004. The line's final, 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) section―which runs through Delhi's business district—opened in July 2005. Line 3 was completed in December 2005. Despite the challenge of construction in one of the world's most congested cities, the project remained on schedule and on budget.