Every day, millions of people in the national capital Delhi rely on the Delhi Metro for their daily commute. The extensive network of metro lines connects various parts of the city, making travel convenient for passengers. In August, the Delhi Metro witnessed a record-breaking increase in ridership, prompting the authorities to make significant announcements to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Unprecedented Surge in Ridership
On August 20th, the Delhi Metro recorded its highest ever daily ridership, with 7,749,682 passengers using the service. This remarkable figure is the highest since the metro’s inception. Over the past month, the daily number of commuters ranged between 7.2 million to 7.8 million, showcasing a consistent rise in usage.
An official statement released on Friday highlighted this achievement, noting that the surge places the recent ridership figures among the top five records in the metro network’s history.
DMRC’s Response: Additional Trains on All Lines
In response to the increasing demand, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that it will introduce additional trains across all its lines. This move aims to provide more convenience to passengers and reduce overcrowding during peak hours.
Details of the Plan
- Extra Trains: Starting Friday and Saturday, DMRC will run one additional train on each line.
- Increased Trips: This will result in 84 additional trips across the network on these days.
- Future Adjustments: DMRC stated that if the high ridership continues, these extra trips will be extended to other weekdays as well.
Official Statements
Anuj Dayal, the Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, said:
“In the last four days, the number of passengers recorded by the Delhi Metro has placed it among the top five records in the metro network’s history, with August 20th seeing the highest ever ridership of 7,749,682 passengers.”
He added:
“Considering the increasing number of passengers, DMRC has decided to run an additional train on all lines on Friday and Saturday, resulting in 84 extra trips. If necessary, these additional trips will continue on upcoming working days as well.”
Impact on Commuters
The introduction of extra trains is expected to:
- Enhance Comfort: Reduce overcrowding in trains, especially during rush hours.
- Improve Efficiency: Shorten waiting times for passengers on platforms.
- Boost Connectivity: Make commuting smoother for daily passengers across the city.