The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will operate 20 additional train trips on weekdays from Thursday, after Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force in Delhi. The move is intended to encourage greater use of public transport as authorities respond to deteriorating air quality. The additional services will run across its network on weekdays and form part of the wider response to the pollution episode.

The corporation said it would also intensify anti-pollution measures at construction sites and nearby areas across the capital. The programme includes reducing dust, clearing road dust from adjoining stretches, and removing garbage from footpaths and road medians. These actions are aimed at limiting pollution from areas affected by Metro construction and related road activity.

DMRC engineers will inspect construction sites and adjoining roads to check that construction materials are properly covered and wheel-washing facilities for vehicles leaving the sites remain operational. The inspections will support existing pollution-control measures being implemented by the corporation. Around 31 km of city roads are under DMRC’s temporary jurisdiction for Metro construction, and most of these stretches have already been repaired to limit dust from damaged surfaces.

More than 250 anti-smog and mist guns have been installed at construction sites, Metro stations and office buildings. The DMRC’s Environment Department is carrying out daily inspections to monitor compliance with environmental norms and ensure that the measures remain effective. The corporation is also coordinating dust-control drives around construction locations and adjoining public areas.

Delhi authorities enforced GRAP Stage 1 on Wednesday amid worsening air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board said the Air Quality Index reached 238 on Wednesday morning, entering the poor category for the first time this season. The increase before winter has heightened concern over emissions from road and construction dust, vehicles and industrial units, with air quality to be monitored closely in the coming days.