New Delhi: Delhi Metro Expands Services by 40 Trips to Combat Air Pollution

As the air quality continues to deteriorate in the national capital and its surrounding areas, the implementation of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been put into effect to combat air pollution. In a concerted effort to reduce vehicular emissions in the city and adhere to GRAP guidelines, the Delhi Metro has decided to add an extra 40 trips on weekdays, commencing this Wednesday. This decision comes on the heels of a high-level meeting convened by Environment Minister Gopal Rai to enforce GRAP Stage II.

Anuj Dayal, the Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications for DMRC, stated, "As part of the comprehensive strategies being adopted by the Delhi government to combat pollution during Stage II of GRAP, the DMRC will be increasing its train services by 40 additional trips on weekdays (Monday to Friday) throughout its network, starting from Wednesday, October 25, 2023. This move is intended to promote greater utilization of public transportation among passengers in the Delhi-NCR region."

DMRC has not issued any official statement regarding potential reductions in wait times with the introduction of these extra 40 train trips. Presently, the Delhi Metro operates over 4,300 trips daily within the Delhi NCR network. The modest addition of 40 trips may not yield a significant impact.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, conducted a meeting on Monday to oversee the actions taken to mitigate air pollution in compliance with GRAP Stage II. He urged DMRC and the transport department to enhance the frequency of metro trains and buses in order to decrease the number of privately owned vehicles on the road.

Rai explained, "We have decided to enhance the frequency of metro services and DTC buses in accordance with GRAP. Delhi Metro has been instructed to aim for intervals of 5-6 minutes, reducing the current 7-8 minute wait times."

GRAP Stage II was activated in Delhi last Saturday due to a decline in air quality to the 'very poor' category. Measures implemented under Stage II include:

Stringent enforcement of the ban on diesel generator sets

Ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the NCR region

Increased parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles

Elevating the frequency of buses and metro trains to promote public transportation use.

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