DMRC Boosts Metro Services With 40 Extra Daily Trips to Fight Pollution
DMRC introduces 40 additional daily trips to reduce private vehicle use as Delhi-NCR battles poor air quality and GRAP-II measures.
As the air quality in the Delhi-NCR region continues to deteriorate, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has stepped up its efforts to provide an eco-friendly alternative for commuters. To combat the rising pollution levels, the DMRC has introduced DMRC additional metro trips to encourage citizens to ditch their private cars and bikes in favor of public transport.
Expanding Services to Clear the Air
Starting Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the DMRC implemented 20 new trips on working days. This latest addition brings the total number of extra daily trips across the entire network to 40. The strategic move is designed to ease the pressure on roads and lower the volume of vehicular emissions, which are a primary driver of the region's smog.
The decision follows the activation of Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The urgency of these measures became evident as the Air Quality Index (AQI) recently hit a concerning 324, signaling poor air quality that poses health risks to millions.
A Multi-Pronged Attack on Smog
The DMRC is not the only entity fighting the pollution crisis. Various authorities have launched a coordinated assault on the pollutants choking the city:
- Strict Traffic Enforcement: Traffic police have ramped up surveillance to identify polluting vehicles and are conducting stringent checks for 'Pollution Under Control' (PUC) certificates.
- Urban Cleaning: Local bodies have deployed anti-smog guns and increased the frequency of water sprinkling and mechanical road cleaning to settle dust particles.
- Construction curbs: Regulations on construction activities have been tightened to prevent further dust from entering the atmosphere.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Stricter rules are now in place regarding the operation of older petrol and diesel vehicles.
Parking Fee Hike to Discourage Private Cars
In a bid to make private commuting less attractive, the Delhi government has mandated a doubling of parking fees across the city. However, in a move to support those switching to the metro, DMRC-owned parking facilities have been exempted from this price hike, making it more affordable for commuters to park and ride.
The goal is clear: by increasing the frequency of metro services and making private vehicle usage more expensive and difficult, the city hopes to see a significant drop in the pollutants that define the winter season in the capital.