The Delhi Metro achieved a milestone on September 17, recording its highest-ever single-day passenger footfall with 8,244,903 boardings, according to data from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). This surge in ridership occurred as a strike by private agency drivers working for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) left thousands of buses off the roads, pushing more commuters toward the metro system.
To accommodate the increased demand, the DMRC implemented additional measures, including operating 20 extra train trips and deploying eight additional trains during peak hours. These efforts aimed to ease the pressure on the metro network as commuters sought alternatives to the disrupted bus services. The Delhi Metro’s response highlights its critical role in maintaining mobility across the Delhi-NCR region during public transport disruptions.
The DMRC, alongside the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), intensified efforts to manage the high volume of passengers and ensure security throughout the metro network. This coordinated approach aimed to facilitate smooth passenger movement amid the increased footfall.
The record-breaking number of boardings underscores the reliance on the Delhi Metro as a principal public transportation option, particularly when other services face interruptions. As the strike by DTC-affiliated drivers entered its fourth day, the metro system provided a vital alternative for daily commuters in the capital region.