The Delhi Metro achieved a milestone on September 17, recording its highest-ever single-day passenger footfall with 8,244,903 boardings, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). This record was set amid a strike by private agency drivers associated with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which severely disrupted bus services across the city.
The strike, now in its fourth day, has led to thousands of buses being taken off the roads, forcing commuters to rely heavily on alternative transportation methods. In response to this surge in demand, the DMRC enhanced its services by deploying 20 additional train trips and introducing eight extra trains to accommodate the increased passenger load, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Efforts to manage the heightened passenger flow and ensure security were intensified by the DMRC and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). These measures were crucial as the number of commuters utilizing the metro network swelled significantly, highlighting the importance of the metro system as a key public transport option in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during disruptions in bus services.
The record-breaking footfall underscores the critical role of the Delhi Metro in maintaining urban mobility and catering to the transportation needs of the city’s residents. As the strike continues, the metro remains an essential lifeline for millions of daily commuters navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing public transport disruptions.