Delhi Metro Sets New Record with Over 71 Lakh Journeys Amidst Farmers' Protest

Delhi Metro achieved a new milestone on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, with an astounding 71.09 lakh passenger journeys, surpassing its previous record set in September 2023.

This marks the highest number of daily passenger journeys in the history of the Delhi Metro.

Social media buzzed with speculations linking this surge to the ongoing farmers’ agitation causing disruptions in Delhi-NCR. Netizens speculated that the increased traffic was a direct result of the farmers’ protest.

In response to the anticipated disruptions, the Delhi Airport issued a travel advisory for passengers. Travelers were advised to utilize the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro or the Airport Metro for commuting to the airport, ensuring smoother and hassle-free travel.

In a post on X, (formerly known as Twitter), the Delhi Airport stated, “Please be advised that due to the anticipated farmers’ protest at different Delhi borders starting on 13.02.2024, there will be traffic diversions in effect. For commercial vehicles, traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented starting from 12.02.2024. We recommend planning your trip accordingly and staying informed about potential delays and alternative routes. To ensure timely arrival, we strongly encourage travelers to utilize the Magenta Line for Terminal 1 (T1) or the airport metro for Terminal 3 (T3) for convenient transportation options”.

On Wednesday, traffic was affected in the border areas of Delhi as police erected several layers of barricades at the Singhu and Tikri borders, stopping vehicular movement in view of farmers’ proposed march to the national capital.

The Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed by police for vehicular movement, however, vehicles are still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner, news agency PTI reported.

Moreover, the Apsara and Ghazipur borders with Uttar Pradesh continue to stay open for traffic but heavy security has been deployed at both locations.

Security remained tight in various parts of Delhi on Wednesday in view of the farmers’ ‘Dilli Chalo’ march. In central Delhi, a large number of police personnel were deployed, while barricades were also placed to regulate movement.

An official informed that security personnel in anti-riot gears have been deployed at various locations, while drones are being used to keep an eye on the situation.

Officials said that security arrangements at border points and in central Delhi may be increased if required.

The “Delhi Chalo” agitation of the farmers is spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to put pressure on the central government over several demands, including a law on a minimum support price for crops and loan waivers.

Original news source