Delhi Metro Rail is one island of excellence which is so hard to find in India. It provides such a comfortable travel which one could only dream of in Indian cities and is available mostly in developed countries. Its no less than a urban transport revolution of sorts in third world country who due to lack of funds are not able to sustain such a service. The metro is fast, comfortable, clean, punctual, safe and efficient. I was there on the first day and travelled on 2nd train of its existence on 25th Dec 2002 and pay regular visit to it whenever I am in Delhi.
The metro accelerates fast but jerk free, interiors are stainless steel with seats on the side giving lot of space for standees, the coaches are connected so crowd can easily spread the entire length, doors close automatically so no crowding at the door, train is completely AC, regular announcements of approaching station. Since it travels on totally dedicated tracks, so very less chance of being late or anything. Just imagine, even after start/stop at 15 stations in between it covers 22 kms from shahdara to pitam pura in 38 minutes flat. Stations are spic and span, signboards for everything, ’’shayaks’’ are there to help people with token tickets at entrance and exits, also the station and trains are such designed that a disabled person can travel w/o any help! The stations and train itself are out of bounds for intruders or people w/o tickets and there is enough security at stations and train for women to travel without fear even in an unsafe city like Delhi. The underground sections is equally wonderful and engineering at the junction stations Kashmere gate is commendable. There are escalators, probably the longest in the country, provided for people to come up to the level of platform or ground. The tokens are available for single journey and smart cards for multiple travels with various denominations like Rs. 100/-. One just need to show token or smart card at the entry and similar at t he exit gates.
Metro in not just a sterling transportation system but an exmaple of corporate governance and execution. There has been absolutely no delay in launching various stages of service till now. The day they mention, they start the service, the organisation itself is very lean. During construction time there as minimum disturbance to the public. For examples, all the trucks plied only in night, whole construction area was barricaded, earth excavated was sprinkled with water not to cause dust-storms, all essential utils like phone, electricity and sever etc. were moved early to cause any disturbance.
I can go on and on like this and still won’t be able to fathom all the achievements of Delhi Metro. It has been a tourist attraction in itself for anybody visiting Delhi. Its a must visit for anybody visiting Delhi and feel proud. Once the whole network gets ready it will be the best thing ever to happen to Delhi.
Thanks,
Roopesh