The Delhi Metro is a marvel of human ingenuity and has made life easier for commuters in Delhi. Speed, Convenience , Comfort and Aesthetic Appeal truly makes Delhi Metro a world-class transportation system. It covers all major areas of Delhi, from centrally located C.P. to Delhi University , I.S.B.T. Vidhan Sabha, Karol Bagh, Old Delhi, major residential areas like Dwarka, Rajouri Garden etc. The Metro has three lines of operation i.e
Line I Shahdara to Rithala
Line II Vishwavidyalaya to Central Secretariat
Line III Barakhamba to Dwarka.
Delhi metro, unlike Kolkata is not fully underground.
Line I - An elevated line, running between Shahdara and Rithala. The river Yamuna, daily life on the wide Delhi Roads would be visible from the windows of your air-conditioned metro coaches.
Line II - Fully underground and runs between Delhi University and Central Secretariat.
Line III - This is the first Line where metro train operates on underground as well as elevated levels. Trains travel from the elevated section to the underground stretch. A ramp has been created from Panchkuian Road which ends at the Outer Circle of CP. . Trains travel on this ramp and gradually enter inside the underground line.
All metro stations are well-lit, air-conditioned and the system map, ticket and fare information charts are displayed prominently inside the station .Parking of personal vehicles is allowed at most of the metro stations. The walls of the station are covered in murals done by artists. Kiosks selling coffee, snacks , cell-phone cards, home-loans etc. are a common sight. The stations and metro coaches are always spic and span . Elevators are provided for entrance and exit from the platform, but physically challenged people , senior citizens and those in need can use lifts. The train frequency on average is three-five minutes. Security guards are provided inside each metro train, so travelling late in the evening is quite safe.
Types of Ticket as per individual requirement:
Smart Card: Most convenient for the frequent commuter. Valid for one year, Travel Cards are available in the denominations of Rs. 100, 200 and 500.
Tourist Card: For unlimited travel over short periods. There are two kinds of cards - 1 day and 3 day. Cost of 1-Day Card is Rs. 70 and 3-Day card is Rs. 200.
Token: For a single journey only. Tokens are valid only on the day of purchase and the value depends on the destination. Look up the fare for your destination station on the Token table. Minimum fare is Rs. 6/- and the Maximum fare is Rs. 22/-
The metro has helped lakhs of commuters avoid the dust and grime of Delhi roads, traffic rush, crowded buses etc. It is a blessing when traffic comes to a crawl during those innumerable political rallies, religious processions etc. and you have to reach for an all important interview or an exam.
Tourists and those visiting Delhi, even for a single day, should experience Delhi Metro. You could watch movies, indulge in some window shopping with your friends/family at C.P. Take the metro and alight at Chawri Bazar station and you will be in Old Delhi. This place has historical significance and tourist places like Red Fort and Jama Masjid is nearby. The famous Paranthe Wali gali, sells varieties of street food and some shops exist from the Mughal period. Electronic goods, Sarees, jewellery etc are available at chandni chowk market at very reasonable rates. Plan your own day out. If you are pressed for time, then simply travel a few minutes in the metro.
The metro was recently featured in a Bollywood movie starring Kareena Kapoor, so this adds to the curiosity factor for the tourists. In short, you can enjoy with your whole family excluding the pet, as pets are not allowed inside the metro and there is a limit on the amount of luggage you can carry.
Personal Experience:
Coffee at café coffee day outlet from Rs. 10/- onwards inside Kashmere Gate metro station is wonderful. [ Eating/Drinking inside the train is not allowed, so finish your coffee before you board the train.] The trains have to be changed at Kashmere gate , Barakhamba Road etc. if you are travelling through interconnecting lines. Stay alert or you will miss the connecting trains. In case of any problem, contact the metro officials, who are helpful and courteous.
Negative Points:
No Toilet facilities inside most of the metro station. Feeder Service i.e. transport facilities from the metro stations to major residential areas are not adequate, though this will be increased in the coming days. Happy Travelling and see you soon, in the Delhi Metro.