Delhi Metro sets new record of over 7.1 million journeys amid farmers’ protests

delhi metro Passenger traffic reached a staggering 7.109 million on Tuesday 13 February 2024, surpassing the previous record set in September 2023.

This marks the highest daily ridership in the history of Delhi Metro.

Social media is abuzz with speculation that the surge is linked to the ongoing farmer agitation causing chaos in the National Capital Region of Delhi. Netizens speculated that the increase in traffic was a direct result of farmers’ protests.

In response to the expected disruption, Delhi Airport has issued a travel advisory to passengers. Travelers are advised to travel to the airport via Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line or Airport Metro to ensure a smoother and hassle-free journey.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Delhi Airport said: “Please note that due to the expected farmer protests at different borders of Delhi from February 13, 2024, traffic diversions will be implemented. For commercial vehicles , with traffic restrictions and diversions in place from February 12, 2024. We recommend that you plan your journey accordingly and stay informed of potential delays and alternative routes. To ensure on-time arrival, we strongly recommend travelers to use Terminal 1 Magenta Line (T1) or Airport Metro at Terminal 3 (T3) for convenient transportation options.”

Traffic in Delhi’s border areas was affected on Wednesday as police erected multi-layered roadblocks at the Singhu and Tikri borders, blocking vehicular movement in view of farmers’ proposed march towards the national capital.

Police have completely closed the Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana to vehicular traffic, but vehicles can still pass through the Ghazipur border under supervision, the Press Trust reported.

Additionally, the Apsara and Ghazipur borders with Uttar Pradesh remain open for traffic, but tight security arrangements are deployed at both locations.

Security remained tight across Delhi on Wednesday in view of the farmers’ ‘Dilli Chalo’ march. A large police presence was deployed in central Delhi, while roadblocks were erected to restrict movement.

Security personnel in riot gear have been deployed at various locations and drones are being used to monitor the situation, an official said.

Officials said security arrangements at border crossings and central Delhi may be tightened if required.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have spearheaded the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement to put pressure on the central government with several demands, including a minimum support price law for crops and loan waivers.