Additional trips planned to intensify the use of public transport among passengers across Delhi-NCR. (PTI File Photo)
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) last week decided to invoke Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi-NCR
In an attempt to reduce air pollution in the NCR, The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that it will be running 40 additional train trips on weekdays across its network from Wednesday (October 25).
Usually, the Delhi metro trains perform over 4300 round trips every day from Monday to Friday.
According to the Delhi Metro release, the decision has been taken as part of its Graded Response Action Plan-II (GRAP-II), a set of anti-pollution measures implemented by the Delhi government when air quality levels deteriorate.
With this move, the DMRC is also planning to intensify the use of public transport among passengers across Delhi-NCR, the release further stated.
“As part of the various measures being adopted by the Delhi government to combat pollution under GRAP-II stage, DMRC will run 40 additional train trips on weekdays (Mon-Fri) across its network starting Wednesday i.e, 25.10.2023,” the DMRC announced.
The air quality of Delhi-NCR has worsened in the past few days and the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology believe it may reach the “Very Poor” category after Dussehra.
Thus, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) last week decided to invoke Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi-NCR.
Under GRAP II, the government takes steps to control air pollution, which includes raising the parking fees to discourage the use of personal vehicles and increasing the frequency of public CNG/Electric buses and metros.
GRAP Stage-II guidelines for Delhites
- Use of public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles.
- Using less congested routes even if slightly longer.
- Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
- Avoid dust-generating construction activities from October to January.
- Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.
Earlier, the Delhi government announced it would re-launch its “Red Light on Gaadi Off” campaign to curb vehicular pollution in the national capital on October 26.
First launched on October 16, 2020, aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital by encouraging drivers to switch off their vehicles while waiting for traffic lights to turn green.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that the odd-even car-rationing scheme, which allows cars to ply on alternate days based on odd or even number plates, is not currently under consideration.
Source: News18