Metro fast-tracks 8-coach trains to 2013

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is going to introduce eight-coach trains four years before schedule to tackle the ever-increasing commuter pressure in its busiest corridors - Lines 2 and 3 that cover the Gurgaon-Jahangirpuri and Noida-Dwarka stretches, respectively.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is going to introduce eight-coach trains four years before schedule to tackle the ever-increasing commuter pressure in its busiest corridors - Lines 2 and 3 that cover the Gurgaon-Jahangirpuri and Noida-Dwarka stretches, respectively.

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The corporation initially planned to introduce eight-coach trains in the new corridors to be built under the third phase five years later, but had to increase carriage capacity on the existing lines because of the tremendous rush the network handles.

"The number of daily commuters has reached 20 lakh now and is expected to go further up at a fast pace. We are left with no choice but to introduce eight-coach trains at the earliest," a corporation spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, altogether 68 trains will have eight coaches each by the end of 2013. Of them, 37 four-coach trains will be converted into eight-coach ones on Line 2.

Besides, 31 four-coach trains on Line 3 will have double their carriage capacities. On Line 2, six four-coach trains will be converted into six-coach trains.

"We have already placed orders for 212 coaches and they will start arriving from September next year and continue till end of 2013," said the spokesperson.