NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) increased train services on Wednesday to manage the anticipated surge in passenger footfall amid the ongoing Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus strike.DMRC said it has increased 20 train trips across its network, while eight additional trains were operated on Wednesday as per operational requirements, news agency PTI reported.The measures were aimed at easing pressure on the Metro network and accommodating the additional passenger rush, particularly during peak hours, as commuters turned to the Metro amid the disruption in bus services.The enhanced arrangements will continue on Thursday, September 17, with eight extra trains to be inducted and operated between 8am and 8pm, depending on operational requirements, DMRC said.The DTC drivers’ strike entered its second day on Wednesday, disrupting bus services across the city and forcing commuters to seek alternative modes of transport.Commuters have reported fewer buses on roads and difficulties in their daily journeys, PTI repoted.The disruption has also affected school transportation, with several parents reporting difficulties in getting children to and from school.Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, in a message to parents, said the operational status of its school buses remained uncertain in certain areas due to the strike.The school said it had made alternative arrangements for the return journey and asked parents to remain in touch with their respective ‘Bus Didi’ for updates until services become regular.The DTC had stopped providing buses to schools from the 2023 academic session amid growing demand for its fleet for public transport.It had earlier provided more than 350 buses to schools, but these were subsequently withdrawn, with only around 8-10 buses provided to some schools for specially abled children, PTI reported.The drivers, mostly operating new electric buses, are demanding a hike in daily wages, medical facilities and overtime payment.They have also sought removal of penalties imposed on drivers in case of damage to buses.Transport minister Pankaj Singh appealed to the drivers to call off the strike, saying the government was ready to listen to their concerns and that essential services should not be affected, PTI reported.“We have directed the private concessioners managing the DTC electric buses to sort the issues with drivers immediately. Also, I would like to appeal to the drivers to withdraw the strike. We are here to listen to your issues, essential services should not be affected,” Singh added.Currently, Delhi has around 6,500 DTC buses, with a daily ridership of around 60 lakh, highlighting the scale of the disruption caused by the strike.With the ongoing strike, the DMRC has asked passengers to plan their journeys accordingly as the additional services continue.(With agency inputs)
