New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- The Delhi Metro recorded its highest-ever single-day passenger footfall on Thursday, with 82,44,903 passenger boardings across its network, as the ongoing strike by private agency drivers of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) entered its fourth day.
According to figures released by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Thursday's count surpassed the previous record of 81,88,115 passenger boardings recorded on August 8, 2025, by 56,788. The September 17 figure was also higher than the 81,01,159 recorded on August 27 this year.
The data showed another sharp rise in passenger volume within a day. On September 16, the Metro recorded 80,71,630 boardings, meaning Thursday's figure was over 1.7 lakh higher.
The record footfall comes amid heightened dependence on the Metro following the DTC contractual drivers' strike over demands including higher wages and medical and social security benefits.
The DMRC had anticipated increased passenger demand and introduced additional services. On September 16, it increased train trips by 20 across its network and operated eight additional trains according to operational requirements. The enhanced arrangement was continued on September 17, with eight extra trains deployed between 8 am and 8 pm, particularly to handle peak-hour crowds.
Santosh Chalke, IPS, DIG, CISF Unit DMRC, said the record reflected the coordinated efforts of security personnel and the Metro authorities.
"Handling 82,44,903 passenger boardings in a single day is not just a milestone number; it is a true reflection of the joint commitment of the CISF and the DMRC in providing seamless security and passenger facilitation across the National Capital Region," he said.
The DMRC operates a network of around 416 km with 303 stations, including the Noida-Greater Noida corridor and Gurugram's Rapid Metro. The organisation, established in 1995 as a joint venture between the Centre and
Delhi government, also undertakes metro operations and maintenance in cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Patna.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.