Delhi Metro Adds Trains to Combat Rising Air Pollution

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation increased weekday train services by 20 trips starting October 22 to combat rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. This expansion of public transit capacity follows a decision by the Commission for Air Quality Management to implement Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan after the Air Quality Index entered the poor category.

Beyond increasing train frequency to encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, the transit authority is intensifying dust-control measures. These efforts target construction sites and approximately 31 kilometers of roads under its jurisdiction to limit particulate matter.

Specific pollution-reduction actions include the deployment of over 250 anti-smog and mist guns, the removal of garbage from footpaths, and the enforcement of requirements to cover construction materials. These combined measures aim to mitigate the environmental impact of infrastructure work while providing more transit options during a period of deteriorating air quality.