New Delhi, Oct 2026 : The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will operate 20 additional train trips on weekdays from Thursday to encourage commuters to use public transport amid worsening air quality in the national capital, following the enforcement of Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The DMRC announced on Wednesday that the additional services would help reduce dependence on private vehicles and contribute to efforts to curb vehicular emissions.
“From tomorrow, Delhi Metro will be running 20 additional trips on its network on weekdays to encourage more and more people to use public transport instead of their personal vehicles,” the corporation said in a statement.
Alongside increasing train services, the DMRC will intensify anti-pollution measures at its construction sites and adjoining areas to control dust emissions. The measures include dust suppression at construction sites, removal of accumulated road dust and clearance of garbage from footpaths and road medians.
DMRC engineers will conduct detailed inspections of construction sites and surrounding roads to ensure that construction materials are adequately covered and wheel-washing facilities for vehicles leaving construction areas remain operational.
The corporation said approximately 31 km of city roads were currently under its temporary jurisdiction to facilitate Metro construction. Most of these stretches have already been repaired to prevent damaged road surfaces from contributing to dust pollution.
More than 250 anti-smog guns and mist guns have also been installed at construction sites, Metro stations and office buildings to suppress dust. The DMRC’s Environment Department is conducting daily inspections to ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards.
Delhi authorities enforced Stage I of GRAP on Wednesday following a deterioration in air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 238 on Wednesday morning, placing it in the ‘poor’ category for the first time this season.
The rise in pollution ahead of winter has heightened concerns over the capital’s air quality, with dust from roads and construction activities, vehicle emissions and industrial pollution among the key sources requiring attention.
GRAP is a set of graded emergency measures implemented in the Delhi-National Capital Region to tackle worsening air pollution. Stage I involves preventive and mitigation measures, including stricter dust-control practices at construction sites and efforts to reduce emissions.
Authorities are expected to monitor air quality closely in the coming days and take further steps as necessary.
The DMRC’s decision to increase weekday services and strengthen dust-control measures forms part of the wider effort to limit pollution and encourage cleaner commuting options across the national capital.
