In yet another achievement, Delhi Metro breached its previous record in term of ridership as the figure crossed 27. 60 mark on Friday. This is the third time in a month that the record number of commuters used Metro services.
According to a Delhi Metro official, there has been continuous rise in the footfall since July with the ridership figure creating a new record. On July 21, the ridership figure touched the high of 26.84 lakhs, which crossed 27 lakh barrier on August 04. Over 27.05 lakhs travelers commuted in Metro on that day. However, on Friday, the ridership figure reached a new high of over 27.60 lakhs breaking all previous records.
A senior official of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that for last 12 years, the Delhi Metro has been making concentrated efforts to reduce pollution level and traffic blockades in the Capital and its endevours has yielded results. “Since 2002, Delhi Metro has been working tirelessly to provide freedom to the National Capital Region (NCR) from pollution, traffic snarls and road accidents. As per a study conducted by the Central Road Research Institute in 2011, Delhi Metro has helped reduce about 1.17 lakh vehicles from the streets of the city and has reduced the emission of pollutants by up to 1,79,613 tonnes. By reducing the number of vehicles, it has also helped in preventing over 700 accidents annually,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was also informed that the DMRC had also planned grand I-Day celebration this year along with other Government agencies. “All the premises of Delhi Metro such as stations, viaducts, depots, residential enclaves etc will be decorated with the tricolor, banners, illumination etc which will try to invoke the spirit of Independence Day among the commuters,” a statement issued by the DMRC said.
The National Flag will be hoisted at all major offices, depots and Metro stations of Delhi Metro. Patriotic songs will welcome all Metro users at all stations during the week commencing from the August 10. A short film on Delhi Metro will be screened on the lED screens installed at stations.Apart from this, quiz competitions on the theme of Metro as well as India’s independence will be organised for the commuters at select Metro stations across the network.