Delhi Goes 'Metro Monday': PM Modi's Fuel-Saving Push Triggers Big Change in Capital

New Delhi: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for oil conversation and restrained public spending, today is the first Metro Monday. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had announced various austerity measures, which included mandatory Metro travel for  ministers on Mondays, work-from-home options for government employees and a voluntary weekly “no-vehicle day”

What did the government say?

The government has encouraged Metro Monday and urged the public to abandon their personal vehicles and use public transportation.

Under this campaign, everyone, from the general public to VIPs, is being encouraged to use the metro instead of road transport. 

Will it create rush in Delhi Metro?

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has increased the number of trains and  the number of trips for the convenience of passengers.

In a parallel move aimed at encouraging public transport usage, the DMRC has decided to run six additional trains, making a total of 24 trips each Monday. Additional security personnel have also been deployed.

What did DMRC say?

According to the DMRC, this plan, which began on May 18, will also run additional trains on other days as needed. The Delhi government and DMRC have increased the number of metro trains and DTC buses for the convenience of passengers. In an official statement, the DMRC said the additional trains will allow the increased passenger traffic to be handled without interruption.

What is the goal of this initiative? 

The goal is to ensure that employees and officials can easily reach the metro station from their colonies and travel by metro. The government has also appealed to the general public to fully support the campaign. Along with officials, Delhi government ministers are also expected to travel by metro on Metro Monday.

Has DTC buses also increased?

Additionally, all 6,300 Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will be on the roads. Fifty-eight buses have been deployed to transport employees from 29 government colonies to the metro station.

This is intended to ensure that officers and employees can easily reach the metro station and travel by metro.