Now, commuters expecting betterment of services on the Airport Express corridor will have to wait a little longer. After taking over the Airport Express corridor, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is apparently not in a hurry to implement operational changes for the convenience of the commuters.
The corporation is waiting for the decision of the lenders regarding the debts of Rs2,000 crore. Though DMRC has taken over the operations of the line, it is caught in a quagmire over the huge debts that the line is burdened with. DMRC Chief Mangu Singh said that no major decisions in the operations will be taken till the issue of debts with the banks is resolved. Delhi Metro took over the operations of the Airport link from July 1, after the private concessionaire managing the line, Reliance Infrastructure walked out.
Immediately, after being handed over the responsibility to operate the line, DMRC gave indications to introduce changes in the corridor as per the passengers’ convenience. For this purpose, DMRC created feedback counters at different stations for the commuters to provide their suggestions and point out loopholes in the line’s operations. As per the public's suggestions, DMRC has started working on increasing the ridership on the corridor and minimise losses. A broad strategy has been prepared, which is not being implemented at present.
According to the Delhi Metro chief, as the line is burdened by huge debts from the lenders, the attitude of the banks that had earlier refused to facilitate any further loans will decide the future decisions for the corridor. Though DMRC has taken over the operations of the corridor, agreement of the lenders is very important. He added that there are other technical issues which are to be resolved before any big decision is taken. Till the issues are sorted out, DMRC will continue to operate the corridor, however, any major decision won’t be taken. He added that the issues are expected to be sorted out soon with the Urban Development Ministry.