As Delhi plans to reduce its AQI levels amid rising pollution, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has decided to operate 40 additional train trips across its corridors on weekdays. The move aims to provide extra passenger capacity and encourage commuters to use public transport instead of private vehicles, reducing the overall pollution levels.
A DMRC spokesperson said that Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar has also directed the operations team to further increase the number of additional trips to 60, in case GRAP Stage III is enforced by authorities in the coming days.
“The move is aimed at encouraging people to use the Metro instead of their own vehicles and help mitigate the deteriorating air quality in the capital city as a collective responsibility,” the spokesperson added.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Kumar inspected a section of the under-construction Krishna Park Extension–R.K. Ashram Marg corridor to assess the preparedness of Delhi Metro construction sites for the implementation of GRAP measures. While inspecting the sites, he visited Ashok Vihar and Derawal Nagar along with senior officials from the Civil and Environment departments, and reviewed steps taken to prevent dust pollution.
DMRC officials highlighted that the organization has implemented several mandatory measures, including regular water sprinkling, wheel washing of site vehicles before entering roads, proper covering of construction materials, and recycling of construction and demolition waste. To further reduce particulate matter, 82 anti-smog guns have already been deployed across sites, with more to be added as necessary.
