The age of the Metro: How the system failed to induce behavioural change

The Delhi Economic Survey 2021-22 shows the number of vehicles in the capital was more than 10 million

In its 20-year journey, Delhi Metro has held several meanings for commuters.

For Pratishtha Nangia, it started as a novelty when she was in school, became a lifeline in college days, and a fallback option in the age of ride-hailing apps — more so post-Covid when avoi¬ding crowds became a priority.

Yet, the 27-year-old, who works at an advisory firm, agrees the Metro has been a safer choice for women than other modes of public transport. “I can’t recall the last time I took a bus and have no plans to step into one again.”  With its reserved coaches and seats and