New Delhi witnessed a massive surge in public transport dependency as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recorded its highest-ever single-day passenger footfall, crossing the 82.4 lakh mark amid an ongoing strike by private agency drivers employed with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
DTC Bus Strike Paralyses Road Transit
The strike by DTC bus drivers entered its fourth day, leaving thousands of buses off the roads across major depots including Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, and Sarita Vihar. The protesters have been demanding wage hikes, medical coverage, and social security benefits, which severely crippled surface transport and left commuters stranded.
With autorickshaws and cabs charging exorbitant fares, citizens heavily relied on the metro network to reach their destinations, leading to unprecedented congestion at major transit hubs across the National Capital Region.
DMRC Handles Record Passenger Volume
According to DMRC data, approximately 82,44,903 passengers travelled across the network on September 17. To manage this massive influx, DMRC introduced 20 additional train trips and deployed eight extra trains, particularly during peak hours, ensuring smooth and reliable transit for the public.
"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." — Santosh Chalke, DIG, CISF Unit, DMRC
Operating a massive network spanning over 416 kilometres with 303 stations, Delhi Metro once again proved to be the reliable backbone of the national capital's commuting system during a crisis.