Is Delhi Metro’s Blue Line crumbling under pressure? | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Is Delhi Metro’s Blue Line crumbling under pressure?

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Jun 07, 2016 07:58 AM IST

Frequent snags in Delhi Metro, especially on the Blue Line (Dwarka-Noida/Vaishali), have become a routine these days

A track circuit failure, a tin sheet stuck in the overhead wiring and a snag in the automated fare collection (AFC) gates -- all within a week -- has not only caused inconvenience to commuters but also dented Delhi Metro’s image as a reliable public transport system.

Expert say change in weather causes technical glitches in the overhead wires.(Arun Sharma/HT Photo)
Expert say change in weather causes technical glitches in the overhead wires.(Arun Sharma/HT Photo)

Frequent snags in Delhi Metro, especially on the Blue Line (Dwarka-Noida/Vaishali), have become a routine these days.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

On Monday morning, passengers at the Vaishali Metro station had to wait for an hour to get into the station because of a snag in the AFC gates. Last Friday, trains ran slow throughout the day due to a technical snag.

“It is the longest route and most of it is exposed to nature. The problem in overhead wires happens because of change in season. Because of heat and frequent thunderstorms, this line is the most vulnerable. The track circuit problem occurs because of variation in temperature,” said a DMRC official, requesting anonymity.

Technical snags are not the only problems ailing the line. With over 50 km of network, five interchange stations and 30% increase in the expected ridership, the longest and busiest line of Delhi Metro is unable to take the load.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) estimated that ridership in this line would be 9.18 lakh per day but in August 2015, it had reached 11.94 lakh per day. This line carries over 30% of the Metro’s passengers and since most of it is elevated and open, the vulnerability to snags is higher.

Officials said the AFC gates can handle 17 passengers per minute and at present it handles 11 per minute on an average. But during peak hours, the figure could go well beyond 17.

“The wires are in the open and even when a kite or bird gets stuck, metro operation is affected. Also the growth is more than expected due to which at many stations the waiting time is more than what it should be. Since, majority of the interchange stations are on this line, passengers travelling in Delhi Metro trains have to come to this line. All things combined have led to frequent snags,” said a Delhi Metro official, requesting anonymity.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Faizan Haidar writes on the Delhi government, city politics, transport, aviation, and social welfare. A journalist for a decade, he also tracks issues such as trafficking and labour exploitation in Delhi and other states.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On