Delhi Metro Introduces 20 Additional Trains Amid Air Quality Concerns
Delhi Metro adds 20 extra trains on weekdays as part of measures to combat worsening air quality under the Graded Response Action Plan.
New Delhi, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Phase 1 has been implemented in New Delhi, where air quality has deteriorated significantly. In response, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that starting Thursday, it will operate 20 additional train trips on weekdays.
This decision aims to encourage more people to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles. According to DMRC, the extra trips will help ease congestion and improve air quality by reducing the number of cars on the road.
In addition to increasing train frequency, DMRC is ramping up pollution control measures around construction sites and nearby areas. Special campaigns will be launched to minimize dust emissions, which include cleaning dust from roads and sidewalks, clearing debris from road dividers, and ensuring construction materials are properly covered.
DMRC engineers will inspect construction sites and surrounding roads to ensure compliance with dust control measures. They will also verify that construction materials are adequately covered and that wheel-washing facilities for vehicles exiting construction sites are functioning correctly.
Currently, approximately 31 kilometers of city roads fall under DMRC’s temporary jurisdiction for construction activities. Most of these roads have been repaired to prevent them from contributing to dust pollution.
To further combat dust, DMRC has installed over 250 anti-smog and mist guns at construction sites, metro stations, and office complexes. The environmental department of DMRC conducts daily inspections to monitor compliance with environmental standards.
The implementation of GRAP-1 followed a noticeable drop in air quality, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238 on Wednesday morning, marking the first time this season that air quality has fallen into the “poor” category.
With winter approaching, the sudden rise in pollution levels has raised concerns among authorities. In light of this, special measures are being taken to control dust from roads and construction activities, as well as emissions from vehicles and industrial sources.
