Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- Delhi Metro will add 20 train trips on weekdays from October 22 as authorities implement Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Capital. The additional services will operate from Monday to Friday to encourage public transport use as air quality deteriorates.
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage I on October 21 after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the poor category. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the additional trips would run alongside intensified measures at construction sites and in surrounding areas.
DMRC will work to reduce dust at construction sites, clear road dust from nearby roads and remove garbage from footpaths and road medians. Engineers will inspect construction locations and adjoining roads to check that construction materials are properly covered and that wheel-wash facilities for vehicles leaving the sites are operational.
About 31 km of city roads are currently under DMRC's temporary jurisdiction to facilitate Metro construction. The corporation said most of these roads had already been repaired to prevent them from adding to pollution, while the new measures would supplement its existing efforts.
DMRC has installed more than 250 anti-smog and mist guns at construction sites, Metro stations and office buildings to reduce dust levels. Delhi's AQI rose to 244 on October 21 from 179 on October 20, moving from the moderate to the poor category. Schools and offices will continue to function normally under Stage I restrictions.
Under the revised GRAP schedule issued on September 29, Stage I applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300. Stage II is imposed for very poor air quality between 301 and 400, Stage III for severe levels between 401 and 450, and Stage IV when the AQI exceeds 450.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.