Delhi Metro to engage private operators for operations of other six lines

(Representative Image)

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing to hand over the operations of the Red Line (Rithala-Shahid Sthal New Bus Adda-Ghaziabad) to a private agency in a bid to reduce operational costs. To ensure that the staff can adeptly manage the metro, DMRC will provide a three-month training program initially. It is expected that, next year, the responsibility for metro operations on the Red Line will be taken over by a private agency.

The Red Line, spanning 34.5 kilometers, is the oldest corridor in the Delhi Metro network, featuring a total of 29 stations. At present, DMRC is responsible for the operations on this corridor. However, DMRC has now initiated the tendering process to engage a private agency for the operation of the metro on this corridor, with the plan to entrust them with this responsibility for six years.

The private agency will be responsible for hiring a maximum of 221 train operators, seven train operator supervisors, and one manager for the operation on this corridor. As per the service terms, DMRC will provide the selected staff with a three-month training program to ensure their competence in operating the metro.

Subsequently, these staff members will be deployed on the Red Line of Delhi Metro Rail Network. The private agency's employees will then take charge of operating the metro on the Red Line, including managing the crew control center at Shahdara on the Red Line. Hence, the full responsibility for operations will be held by the private agency.

It is noteworthy that DMRC had previously handed over the responsibility for metro operations on the Yellow Line to a private agency in July 2021. As a result, private agency staff are currently operating the metro on the Yellow Line.

It is reported that the gradual transition of metro operations to private agencies on all corridors is being carefully considered.

This strategic move by DMRC is aimed at optimizing operations while ensuring that services remain reliable and efficient for commuters. The shift towards private management on the Red Line represents part of a broader trend in the Delhi Metro network.

For more details, please explore the Delhi Metro page of Metro Rail Today.