Delhi Metro to run 20 more trips on weekdays as GRAP-II curbs kick in amid worsening pollution

Delhi Metro to run 20 more trips on weekdays as GRAP-II curbs on vehicles kick in

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday said it will be running additional 20 trips on weekdays as the Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) region.

A Delhi Metro train passes near Yamuna Bank on a hazy afternoon as pollution levels rise across the Delhi-NCR region, in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (Hindustan Times)

The DMRC said the move was aimed at encouraging people to take the metro in order to mitigate vehicular emissions as the pollution worsens in the region. “This is to encourage more and more people to use public transport than their private vehicles and help mitigate pollution,” the DMRC said.

The move to ramp up metro service will increase the total number of additional trips on its network by 40, the DMRC added.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage II of GRAP across capital region with immediate effect as Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category for the first time this season.

Traffic police will be deployed at busy roads and intersections to reduce congestion. Officials will intensify checks for valid pollution-under-control (PUC) certificates and take action against visibly polluting vehicles. Rules on older diesel and petrol vehicles will also be strictly enforced.