Fancy Delhi Metro running beyond the midnight - That is what the Delhi government has recommended to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), but with a rider. The government proposes the time extension only for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, for the convenience of visitors.
Not surprising then, Delhiites wonder why everything good for the city is only centred around the Games? "Public conveyance at all hours is a necessity for all of us. Why only the Games? Can't they do it now?" asks entrepreneur Aman Prakash.
Presently, the last metro run is fixed for 11 pm. And late night commuters have to depend on cabs, autos and occasional DTC buses beyond that. Says Anuj Dayal of DMRC, "The proposal will be studied and the decision taken in due time."
Though the Metro is yet to start operations in areas like Noida and Gurgaon, its midnight run would definitely make commuting convenient for many. "We have graveyard shifts. Life would certainly become easier if we could catch a Metro after our work gets over at 2 am," says Arpit Shrivastav, a BPO employee in Noida. "My parents don't trust office cabbies. But the metro might relieve them when I get late at work," says Zarina Shah, who works with a 5-star hotel.
However, city students feel no urgent need for the Metro to stretch its run hour. "The number of people who travel at night is low. We don't actually need the midnight extension," says Gaurav, student of Dayal Singh College.
{{/usCountry}}However, city students feel no urgent need for the Metro to stretch its run hour. "The number of people who travel at night is low. We don't actually need the midnight extension," says Gaurav, student of Dayal Singh College.
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