Delhi Metro hits record 7.8 million journeys amid rising pollution

21 Nov 2024 CW Team

On September 18, Delhi Metro achieved a milestone with 7.867 million passenger journeys, setting a new record amidst the city’s worsening air quality, which recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494. The day also saw the enforcement of bans on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles under the Graded Response Action Plan. This surpassed the previous record of 7.749 million journeys set on August 25, a day after Raksha Bandhan. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, attributed the increase to passengers' growing trust in the metro's reliability and convenience. In response to the pollution crisis, DMRC has added 60 extra weekday trips to enhance capacity. The Yellow Line recorded the highest usage with 2.09 million journeys, followed closely by the Blue Line at 2.08 million, highlighting their role as the busiest corridors in the network. Since August, DMRC has repeatedly broken its own records, reflecting a growing preference for eco-friendly public transport. This shift is expected to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas. DMRC has introduced digital solutions for ticketing; allowing passengers to book tickets through various platforms and avoid station queues. Collaborations with organisations like IRCTC and NCRTC have further integrated travel options for commuters. Notably, DMRC is recognised globally for its environmental sustainability efforts, being the first metro system registered for carbon credits with the United Nations. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..