The Airport Express Metro rail link service, operated by Reliance Infrastructure-led consortium, drew flak from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director, Mr E. Sreedharan, here on Tuesday.
Higher frequency, improved speed, better mobile connectivity were some of the factors desired by Mr Sreedharan for this metro link service, after a surprise inspection.
“Mr Sreedharan was disappointed with the present frequency of 20 minutes of the Airport Express Line and stressed on the importance of increasing the frequency of trains on the corridor to provide better connectivity and service to the commuters,” the DMRC stated.
He also said that the maximum speed of the trains must be increased up to 120 km per hour (kmph) and all issues related to it must be sorted out at the earliest. At present, the trains are running at a maximum speed of 105 kmph.
Refreshment kiosks
Referring to the lack of tea or coffee vending machines at the stations, Mr Sreedharan said that the stations must have refreshment kiosks for the convenience of commuters.
He pointed out that the lack of proper signage and mobile connectivity in the underground sections were causing inconvenience to commuters.
There should be seamless platform to platform connectivity for the commuters coming from the Delhi Metro network to the Airport link and vice versa at the Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station, he said.
He, however, appreciated the efforts of the Airport Express Link staff in keeping the system neat and clean. He said that the corridor was one of the most technologically advanced in the world and was at par or even better than most other Airport Metro links in other cities globally, according to the statement.
DAMEPL REACTS
Later in the evening, Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd, the Reliance-led consortium, reacted by stating that it will increase the frequency of trains when the traffic increases.
On not increasing the speed of trains, it stated, “Any increase in the train speed requires CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety) approval. The application for increasing the speed is already with CMRS and its approval is awaited.”
On not providing seamless connectivity, it stated, “We have already requested DMRC to provide connectivity at Dwarka station between the platform of Airport Express line and the line 3 of DMRC. Action is awaited from DMRC's end.”
On passenger amenities like tea/coffee vending machines, the company stated, “All these things will be taken care of when the retail outlets are open.”