Airport Express Metro ridership rises by 28 percent

Delhi Metro's Airport Express line witnessed an increase of 28 percent in its ridership last year, the Delhi Metro said Tuesday.

"The average daily ridership on the line increased to 12,856 in June 2014 from 10,069 in July 2013 - an increase of 28 percent," a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) statement said, adding that the Delhi Metro had taken over operations of the line July 1, 2013.

Talking about the slew of measures to popularize the line since its takeover, the DMRC said the frequency of trains was reduced from 15 to 10 and a half minutes during the peak morning and evening hours.

In addition, the maximum speed of trains was increased from 70 km/hr to 80 km/hr, thus reducing the travel time from New Delhi railway station to Indira Gandhi International Airport airport by 19 minutes. The total number of train trips also increased from 148 to 166.

Some of the other measures included parking facility at the Aerocity Metro station, feeder bus service, and advertisements inside the trains as well as major terminals.

On the occasion, union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati travelled from Shivaji Stadium to IGI airport for an official inspection. He also travelled by the line on his way back.

"The minister interacted with the passengers and asked the airport authorities to explore the possibility of starting a free shuttle bus service connecting the Delhi Aerocity Metro station with the domestic terminal of the airport," said the DMRC.