Delhi Metro announces addition of 20 more weekday trips from Tuesday as GRAP Stage II kicks in

As Delhi grapples with worsening air quality and Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) comes into effect, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the addition of 20 more metro trips on weekdays from Tuesday to encourage greater use of public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles.

With this latest increase, the total number of additional trips being operated across the Delhi Metro network will rise to 40.

The move is aimed at providing commuters with enhanced connectivity and more travel options during peak hours, while supporting efforts to curb vehicular emissions, one of the major contributors to air pollution in the national capital.

Announcing the decision on X, DMRC said, “In the wake of implementation of GRAP-II in the capital, Delhi Metro will be running 20 more trips from tomorrow on weekdays, thereby increasing the total number of additional trips on its network by 40. This is to encourage more and more people to use public transport than their private vehicles and help mitigate pollution.”

The announcement comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of GRAP across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on Monday, as the national capital's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category.

The decision was taken after the GRAP sub-committee reviewed the air quality situation along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The commission said unfavourable weather conditions were likely to keep the AQI in the 'very poor' category over the coming days.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 324 at 4 pm on Monday. It had stood at 117 on October 31 before rising to 261 on November 1. The reading of 324 marks the first time this season that the city's air quality has entered the 'very poor' category.

Under Stage II of GRAP, authorities across Delhi-NCR will step up measures to control dust pollution. These include daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads, water sprinkling with dust suppressants, particularly along busy roads and congestion points, and increased inspections at construction and demolition sites to ensure compliance with dust-control norms.

Targeted measures will also be taken at identified pollution hotspots. The plan includes higher parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles and steps by resident welfare associations (RWAs) to provide electric heaters to security guards and other staff to prevent open burning of biomass and waste.

The schedule also provides for staggered timings for government offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The Centre may take a separate decision on staggered timings for its offices.

The CAQM has asked agencies across the NCR to continue implementing measures under Stages I and II and keep a close watch on the air quality situation. The commission will review the situation based on pollution levels and forecasts from the IMD and IITM.