The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has set a new ridership record by carrying over 67 lakh passengers on January 1, 2024, marking the highest ridership on a New Year’s Day in the last six years. According to data released by DMRC on Saturday, a staggering 67.47 lakh commuters availed the metro services on the first day of the year.
Comparing the figures over the past six years, the data revealed a substantial increase in ridership. In the previous year, 49.16 lakh people used the metro on January 1, while in 2022, the count was 23.66 lakh. The year 2020 saw 55.26 lakh commuters, and in 2019, 50.16 lakh people utilized the metro services on New Year’s Day. The lowest ridership of 18.07 lakh was recorded on January 1, 2021, which marked the first New Year celebration post-COVID-19 lockdown.
This year, long queues were witnessed outside several metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat on January 1. Similarly, on the eve of December 31 last year, 48.46 lakh people availed metro facilities, contributing to the overall surge in ridership during the festive period.
‘One Delhi’ mobile app
The DMRC has not only managed to maintain regular operations with such heavy footfalls but it has now effectively integrated its ticketing services with the ‘One Delhi’ mobile application. This integration ensures uninterrupted journeys for commuters, offering a comprehensive platform for streamlined travel arrangements, including QR tickets for both the Delhi Metro and DTC buses. The remarkable increase in ridership underscores the significance of Delhi Metro as a preferred mode of transportation for millions in the capital region.
(With inputs from PTI)