New Delh, Nov. 2 -- The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will increase the number of additional train services on weekdays to 40 from Tuesday, stepping up its operations as Delhi moves to Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat worsening air pollution.
The move will add 20 more trips to the existing additional services across the metro network. The expanded schedule is intended to encourage commuters to switch from private vehicles to public transport and help reduce vehicular emissions, the DMRC said. "In the wake of implementation of GRAP-II in the capital, Delhi Metro will be running 20 more trips from tomorrow on weekdays, thereby increasing the total number of additional trips on its network by 40," the corporation said in a post on X.
The additional services come after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage II of GRAP across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, following a deterioration in the national capital's air quality to the 'very poor' category.
According to the CAQM, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) witnessed a significant rise over three consecutive days. It increased from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 before reaching 324
on Monday, with unfavourable meteorological conditions contributing to the deterioration.
Under GRAP Stage II, authorities are required to intensify measures to contain dust pollution, strengthen road cleaning and water sprinkling operations, and promote public transport to discourage the use of private vehicles.
The latest increase in metro services is part of the transport-related measures being undertaken to address pollution levels in the capital. By adding more trips during weekdays, the DMRC aims to provide commuters with greater public transport availability at a time when authorities are seeking to limit emissions from vehicular movement.
The corporation's decision will remain applicable on weekdays.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.