The ongoing strike by private agency drivers collaborating with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has significantly impacted public transportation in the city, leading to an increased reliance on the Delhi Metro. As the strike stretched into its fourth day on September 17, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reported a record-breaking passenger footfall, with 82,44,903 boardings recorded in a single day.
In response to the heightened demand, the DMRC implemented additional measures to accommodate the surge in passengers. This included deploying 20 extra train trips and adding eight more trains to the network, particularly during peak travel hours. The goal was to alleviate the pressure on the metro system caused by the absence of thousands of buses.
Efforts to manage the increased commuter flow also saw a boost in security and passenger management, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) working alongside DMRC officials. The collaboration aimed to maintain order and ensure the safety of the growing number of metro users during this period of transportation disruption.
This record ridership underscores the crucial role the Delhi Metro plays as a primary mode of public transport in the Delhi-NCR region, especially when other services face operational challenges. The metro’s ability to adapt quickly to an unexpected surge in demand highlights its importance in maintaining urban mobility in times of crisis.