Delhi Metro urges public to choose public transport to reduce congestion, air pollution during festive season

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) urged the public to embrace public transport to alleviate road congestion as well as to minimise air pollution during the upcoming festive season. "In view of the festival season and likely implementation of various stages of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) owing to pollution level in the city around this time of the year, the Delhi Metro will be running additional train trips ensuring that frequency of metro trains are increased on special occasions and during the GRAP Stage-II and III implementation by the authorities, to accommodate the expected higher demand," the DMRC posted on X.

The Delhi Metro informed that they will run 40 additional metro trips on weekdays across all the line when GRAP Stage-II stage comes into force.

"Whenever GRAP Stage-II stage comes into force, DMRC will run 40 additional metro trips on weekdays across all the Lines. Furthermore, when GRAP Stage III or higher is enforced, 20 extra trips will be added, resulting into a total of 60 additional trips on weekdays. This initiative will enable public to travel long distances without exposure to air pollution," the DMRC wrote on X.

"As the festive season approaches around this time of the year, Delhi Metro urges public to embrace public transport to alleviate road congestion as well as to minimize air pollution. With increased travel during festivals, using public transport can significantly contribute to a cleaner environment besides being cost effective, convenient and stress free," it added.

The DMRC further called upon the people to come together and reduce the number of vehicles on the roads by opting for public transport to create a smooth journey for everyone.

"The festive season often sees a spike in traffic, leading to crowded roads and extended travel times. By opting for public transport, people can help reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, easing congestion and creating a smoother journey for everyone," it said.

"This festive/winter season, let's come together to support a cleaner, greener and more enjoyable environment for all. Delhi Metro invites public to plan their journeys considering it as a preferred public transport option," the DMRC added.

Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that the air quality is deteriorating as winter approaches the national capital. The highest AQI was reported in Wazirpur.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader further informed that the concerned authorities have been instructed to find out the local sources behind the deteriorating air quality.

"Winter is coming and the level of air pollution is increasing. The level has reached the poor category in Delhi. There are 13 hotspots in Delhi where AQI has crossed 300- Wazirpur, Mundka, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector-8, Bawana, Narela, Vivek Vihar, Okhla Phase 2, Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar and RK Puram. The AQI level was highest in Wazirpur...We have instructed the authorities to find out the local sources behind it," Rai said in a press conference.