Metro will run at peak frequency, says Satyendra Jain

In order to make their odd-even formula a success story, the Delhi governme-nt has announced that the Delhi Metro will run at the highest possible frequency during the odd-even vehicle restriction period from January 1 to 15.

Delhi home minister Satyendra Jain, who is the nodal minister on anti-pollution measures, said that depending on its success, the initiative may “go on till infinity”. Buses would ply on a dedicated lane from January 1, he added.

The decision to impleme-nt the curbs could be taken by the ruling AAP government as it was ready to “ta-ke risks” unlike other governments. “We cannot wait for it to be perfected,” he said. “We have spoken to the DMRC. For 15 days, the Metro would run on peak frequency or maximum possible frequency and run till late. Irrespective of whether there is rush or not. So that people have an alternative and autos don’t overcharge,” Mr Jain said.

However, the DMRC officials said, “We have nothi-ng to add officially after what the minister has said.”

“50 per cent seats will be reserved for ladies in around 2,000 school buses that are being inducted temporarily into the public transport fleet,” the minister added.

During the morning peak hours, stretching from 8 am to 11 am, trains are available every 2 minutes 18 seconds on the Yellow Line (Line 2) and every 2 minutes 30 seconds on the Blue Line (Line 3/4), two of the busiest Metro corridors.

Asked whether single woman drivers would be exempted from this restriction, Mr Jain said, “Even I think they should be exempted, but several such exemptions are still being deliberated upon and the final blueprint will be released on or before December 25.”

“50 per cent seats will be reserved for ladies in around 2,000 school buses that are being inducted temporarily into the public transport fleet. Poocho app will also have safety features,” he said speaking at an interaction at the Indian Women’s Press Corps.

Mr Jain reiterated that the AAP ministers, including chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, would carpool to work. “CM, Manish (Sisodia) and I went in the same car to meet Rajnath Singh. It’s usual for us.”

Mr Jain said that while Bus Rapid Transport system was a “good concept”, the government decided to scrap it due to its faulty design.