The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced a revision to its operational schedule for the upcoming Diwali festival on Sunday, November 8. To facilitate travel during the festivities, the corporation will commence train services an hour earlier than the standard Sunday schedule on three specific corridors. Passengers on the Pink, Magenta, and Grey lines will be able to board trains starting at 6 am, rather than the usual 7 am opening time.
According to the DMRC, the early start will be implemented across key stretches of the network. The Pink Line will see early services on the Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar route. On the Magenta Line, the adjusted timing will apply to the Botanical Garden to Krishna Park Extension and the Majlis Park to Deepali Chowk stretches. Additionally, the Grey Line will facilitate early travel on the section between Dwarka, Kakrola, and the Dhansa Bus Stand. Beyond this early commencement, the remaining metro operations will adhere to the regular Sunday timetable.
The DMRC also clarified that the final train services across all lines, including the Airport Express Line, will depart from their terminal stations at 10 pm on Sunday. This adjustment is intended to ensure smoother transit for commuters navigating the city during the holiday period.
Parallel to the transport updates, Delhi Police have implemented stringent measures regarding the use of firecrackers in the national capital. Authorities have declared a 300-meter radius around all schools and hospitals as "no-cracker zones." According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara), special police teams have been mobilized to monitor these sensitive areas, with a warning that any violations will be met with "zero tolerance" and legal action.
The enforcement follows Supreme Court directives, which mandate that only certified green crackers are permitted for use. The police have emphasized that individuals must only purchase products from authorized sources that bear an authenticated QR code. Authorities have also restricted the bursting of firecrackers to a specific window of three hours across two days. On November 7 and 8, residents are permitted to use firecrackers only between 6 am and 7 am, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm.
These safety and environmental measures arrive against the backdrop of deteriorating air quality in the city. On Saturday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 364, categorized as "very poor." Data from the Central Board of Pollution Control indicated that 18 of the city’s 59 monitoring stations had already hit the "severe" category earlier in the day. Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System suggest that the overall air quality may continue to reach severe levels as the festive period progresses.
To maintain order amidst the festivities, Delhi Police have intensified security presence and increased foot patrolling in crowded commercial hubs. These efforts aim to balance public celebration with safety requirements and compliance with pollution control mandates. Authorities have urged residents to adhere strictly to the permitted timelines and environmental guidelines to avoid legal repercussions.
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