Signalling Cable Theft Disrupts Airport Express Line Services in Delhi
Train services on Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line have been regulated since Saturday morning following theft and damage to signalling cables between Dhaula Kuan Metro Station and Shivaji Stadium station.
According to officials, around 800 metres of signalling cable were cut by miscreants in the midsection of the line. Although the cables were damaged during the attempted theft, the perpetrators were unable to take them away. The cut cable pieces were later found near Metro Pillar Number 09 during inspection.
The incident has disrupted the signalling system on the affected stretch, forcing trains to operate at a restricted speed of 25 kmph on the Up Line towards New Delhi between Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium stations. Normal services continue on the rest of the Airport Express Line.
Trains on the Airport Express Line usually run at 10-minute intervals. However, replacement of the damaged signalling cables cannot be carried out during revenue hours without significantly affecting passenger services. To minimise inconvenience, restoration work will be undertaken at night after the end of daily operations. Planning and preparatory activities are currently being carried out during the daytime for the night-time repair work.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said regular announcements are being made at stations and inside trains to keep passengers informed. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as travel time on the affected section may be slightly longer.
DMRC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said it is in touch with law and order authorities to address the recurring issue of cable thefts on the network.
