Rush in Metro becoming like Mumbai locals: Arvind Kejriwal

While inaugurating the Jahangirpuri-Samaypur Badli Metro extension on Tuesday along with Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that increasing rush is making Delhi Metro experience like that of “Mumbai locals”, eliciting a promise of more coaches and increased frequency of trains. The chief minister and the Union minister stressed the need to work together as “team India”. Mr Naidu also accepted Mr Kejriwal’s request to change the name of two stations on the newly-launched section which was thrown open for the public.

At an event at the DMRC headquarters, Mr Kejriwal hailed Mr Naidu as “one of the most progressive minds” in the Union Cabinet. The first train was flagged off via video-conferencing.

“Going back to cars should not be allowed. I will be suggesting to DMRC and also hold a review meeting with them. They will be going for additional coaches and increasing the frequency as well so that more coaches and more trips are there and people can be accommodated,” Mr Naidu said.

Earlier, Mr Kejriwal flagged the issue of overcrowding of Metro coaches, saying it was compelling a section to opt for other means of transport, including private vehicles which, he said, was “not a good thing.”

“Crowd is going up every year resulting in a major section preferring other means over Metro. But the real success of Metro is achieved when a person takes Metro over car. Middle-class and even upper middle-class had started using the Metro. But due to the crowd, Metro is no longer comfortable. It is turning into locals of Mumbai where you are pushed in and out of coaches by the crowd,” he said.