Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that metro services on the Jahangirpuri-Samaypur Badli route will face disruptions for over ten days starting December 18, 2024. The affected stations, including Samaypur Badli, Rohini Sector-18, 19, and Haiderpur Badli Mor, will remain closed during specific hours of the day.
Service Timing Changes
The services between Jahangirpuri and Samaypur Badli will not be operational after 10:45 pm until the end of revenue service and from the start of service until 7:02 am. This schedule will be in effect from the intervening night of December 17 and 18 until December 28 and 29, DMRC said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). However, normal train services will continue between Jahangirpuri and Millenium City Centre, Gurugram.
Additionally, train services on the Red Line (Line-1) from Keshav Puram towards Rithala will not be available after 11:30 pm on the night of December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, DMRC confirmed.
Rise in Cable Thefts Impacting Metro Services
The disruptions come amid a spike in cable thefts that have plagued the Delhi Metro network. Officials reported 44 cases of cable theft in 2024, a significant increase compared to 38 incidents in 2023. Despite routine checks and surveillance, thefts have caused substantial service disruptions.
Investigation Progress
Delhi Police data revealed that of the 38 cable theft cases in 2023, only nine were solved, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals. In 2024, police solved 22 out of 44 cases and arrested 53 people. A senior police official stated that additional measures, such as enhanced lighting in dark areas and expanded CCTV coverage along tracks, could help deter thefts.
Earlier in December, police busted a gang of 11 members involved in stealing 140 meters of signaling cable from the Blue Line. The theft disrupted services between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar stations for six hours. The gang reportedly used tree branches to access elevated tracks for the thefts. Four members have been arrested, and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.
Authorities’ Response
DMRC and police are collaborating to enhance preventive measures, including regular inspections and monitoring. The recent incidents have raised concerns about the security of metro infrastructure and the inconvenience caused to commuters.
Sources By Agencies
