Delhi Metro Steps Up Services as Pollution Worsens

Delhi Metro will operate 20 additional train trips on weekdays from October 22 as authorities step up efforts to control rising air pollution across the national capital. The move follows the implementation of Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated into the poor category.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will also intensify dust-control measures at construction sites and nearby roads. The expanded operations aim to encourage commuters to choose public transport instead of private vehicles, while additional inspections and cleaning drives seek to limit pollution from construction activities.

According to a DMRC release, the additional services will operate from Monday to Friday. The corporation will also strengthen existing environmental measures across its construction sites, stations and office premises.

Delhi's Air Quality Triggers GRAP Stage 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 1 of GRAP on Wednesday, October 21, after reviewing the region's deteriorating air quality and forecasts for the coming days.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply from 179 on October 20, when conditions were classified as moderate, to 244 at 2 pm on October 21. The increase pushed the city into the poor air quality category.

The CAQM sub-committee said forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that air quality was likely to remain poor over the following days.

The decision activates the measures prescribed under Stage 1 of GRAP throughout the National Capital Region. Authorities have been directed to implement the prescribed actions, monitor their effectiveness and maintain strict oversight to prevent further deterioration.

Officials will continue reviewing air quality readings and forecasts before deciding whether additional restrictions or stronger pollution-control measures are needed.

DMRC Intensifies Construction Dust Control

Alongside the increase in train services, DMRC plans to step up inspections and cleaning activities at its construction sites and surrounding areas. Engineers will examine sites and adjoining roads to check whether construction materials are properly covered and wheel-washing facilities for vehicles leaving construction sites are functioning correctly.

The corporation will also focus on reducing dust within construction zones, clearing road dust and removing accumulated garbage from footpaths and road medians. These measures are intended to reduce pollution generated by construction work and the movement of vehicles around affected locations.

DMRC currently has temporary jurisdiction over approximately 31 kilometres of city roads taken over to facilitate nearby Metro construction. The corporation said most of these roads have already been repaired to prevent them from contributing further to the city's pollution burden.

More than 250 anti-smog guns and mist guns have also been installed at construction sites, Metro stations and office buildings. These devices are used to suppress airborne dust, while the DMRC Environment Department conducts daily inspections to check compliance with environmental requirements.

The latest drives will supplement measures already in place across the Metro network and its construction operations.

Public Transport and Pollution Control Under Scrutiny

The additional Metro trips offer commuters another option as Delhi-NCR enters a period of heightened pollution monitoring. Encouraging people to leave private vehicles at home can help reduce road traffic emissions, although the wider impact will depend on public participation and pollution levels across the region.

The construction-related measures address another source of concern. Poorly managed construction sites, uncovered materials and dust-covered roads can contribute to elevated particulate pollution, particularly when weather conditions limit the dispersion of pollutants.

Under Stage 1 of GRAP, agencies across the NCR must intensify the prescribed pollution-control measures and ensure that existing rules are followed. The CAQM has also urged citizens to comply with the applicable public advisory.

The sub-committee will continue monitoring air quality and reviewing forecasts from the IMD and IITM. Further decisions will depend on how conditions develop.

Air Quality Will Determine the Next Steps

Delhi's AQI of 244 on October 21 has prompted a coordinated response involving expanded Metro services, construction-site inspections and stronger dust-control operations.

The immediate priority is to prevent air quality from deteriorating further. Whether these measures deliver a meaningful improvement will depend on enforcement, cooperation from residents and businesses, and changes in pollution levels over the coming days.

For commuters, the additional weekday Metro trips begin October 22. For authorities, the challenge is to ensure that the broader GRAP response keeps pace with Delhi-NCR's worsening air quality.