The urban rail system in India is expanding at a rapid pace, propelled by growing urbanisation and demand for sustainable transportation. Delhi Metro is the largest transit system in India, connecting Delhi and its satellite cities such as Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Bahadurgarh and Ballabhgarh in the National Capital Region (NCR). The second oldest metro system is operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), a public sector company established by the Government of India and the government of Delhi in March 1995. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, highlights the progress and key achievements in the past year, the digitalisation and technology initiatives being undertaken, the key challenges, future focus areas and plans. Excerpts…
How is the metro system contributing to the city’s transportation ecosystem? What have been the key achievements/milestones in the last one year?
Delhi Metro not only offers a reliable, eco-friendly and efficient mode of transport but also significantly reduces road congestion and vehicular emissions. With over 393 km of operational network spanning 288 stations, the metro system is the lifeline of the city, enabling more than six million passenger journeys daily.
In recent times, several key milestones were achieved. Most notably, the Airport Express Line’s speed was increased from 90 km per hour to 120 km per hour, improving connectivity and reducing travel time. The inauguration of the Dwarka Sector-21 to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 route further connects the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre with the city centre. The DMRC has also introduced digital innovations such as QR code-based ticketing and WhatsApp-based ticket purchases to enhance passenger convenience.
Additionally, Delhi Metro’s “CarbonLite Metro Travel” initiative educates passengers on the carbon emissions they eliminate by using the metro to promote global sustainability efforts.
Recently, on August 20, 2024, a record-breaking 7.75 million passenger journeys were recorded, further strengthening Delhi Metro’s position as the NCR’s mass transport lifeline.
How are digitalisation and technology advancements assisting in project execution, operations and passenger facilitation?
Digitalisation and technological advancements have been important in enhancing DMRC’s project execution, operations and passenger facilitation. Initiatives such as QR code-based tickets, National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), and contactless payments have revolutionised ticketing processes, while the DMRC mobile app and WhatsApp-based ticketing have improved passenger convenience.
In project execution, DMRC uses STAMP (System for Tracking and Monitoring Project) for real-time tracking, ensuring timely delivery and effective management. In operations, the integration of Big Data and IoT, particularly through initiatives such as IoT-based predictive maintenance in the signalling department and the indigenously developed i-ATS (Automatic Train Supervision) system, enhances operational efficiency and reduces downtime.
Moreover, the Drishti D^4 initiative uses Big Data and IoT for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, significantly improving the metro’s performance and ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Through these innovations, DMRC continues to lead in optimising urban mobility and advancing public transportation technology under the “Make in India” initiative.
What steps are being taken to improve last mile connectivity and enhance multimodal integration?
One of the key initiatives is the introduction of an e-auto fleet across various metro stations. These electric autos provide an efficient option for last-mile travel, especially in areas where buses are less suitable due to space constraints. This service ensures better connectivity from metro stations to nearby destinations, reducing dependency on personal vehicles and contributing to a greener environment.
DMRC is also working closely with the Delhi government for the operation of buses, providing smooth last-mile connectivity between metro stations and the nearest catchment areas. DMRC has identified 179 routes for the operation of these buses. Additionally, DMRC has implemented multimodal integration (MMI) at key stations such as Kashmere Gate, Chhatarpur and several stations on the Pink and Magenta lines under Phase III. These stations offer convenient drop-off and pick-up points, and are located close to city bus stops, facilitating smooth transitions between various transport modes.
What are some of the key challenges?
DMRC faces several challenges that are common to large-scale urban transit systems, such as maintaining and expanding a vast network that caters to millions of passengers daily. The need to introduce state-of-the-art facilities in managing operations and improving passenger experience is crucial.
In terms of operations and maintenance, the post-Covid ridership increase has to be managed efficiently, which led to achieving record-breaking ridership figures in August 2024, with the highest being 7.75 million passenger journeys in a single day. This milestone reflects the trust and faith passengers have in DMRC managing day-to-day services. DMRC is also committed to maintaining world-class facilities, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness standards that were established during the Covid-19 period.
Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and providing technology-driven solutions is another challenge. This includes maintaining cyber safety across the system. Moreover, with DMRC adding 86 km of new routes in Phase IV, integrating these with the current system for operations and maintenance will require significant efforts. The introduction of driverless technology on the Pink and Magenta Lines also demands continuous supervision and effective execution.
Lastly, all Automatic Fare Collection systems had to be upgraded to incorporate QR scanners for QR-based ticketing, ensuring that DMRC stays ahead in improving passenger experience.
Despite these challenges, DMRC remains committed to delivering quality urban transport to the residents of Delhi NCR.
What will be the key focus areas in the coming years? What are the plans for network expansion?
The Phase IV expansion is a major project, adding about 86 km of new metro lines across five corridors—Magenta Line (Janakpuri West to RK Ashram Marg), Pink Line (Majlis Park to Maujpur), Golden Line (Tughlakabad to Aerocity), Green Line (Inderlok to Indraprastha) and Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block. This expansion is expected to make the Delhi Metro network one of the largest in the world, surpassing 470 km in total length upon completion.
In addition, DMRC also focuses on improving infrastructure, such as increasing last-mile connectivity, MMI and upgrading stations with modern amenities to ensure smooth travel. Technological innovations, such as real-time train tracking and cashless fare systems, will enhance efficiency and passenger experience.
