June 23, 2023: The operational speed of the metro trains on the 23-km Airport Express Line, connecting New Delhi Metro Station to Dwarka Sector 21 via the IGI Airport has now been increased from 100 (kilo metre per hour) kmph to 110 kmph from June 22. The change by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been made after receiving the mandatory approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
The Delhi Metro had earlier increased the operational speed of metro trains on this line from 90 kmph to 100 kmph on on March 22, 2023. The speed of trains will further be increased to 120 kmph after getting the necessary clearances, the DMRC said in a statement on June 22.
“With this enhancement, the DMRC has set a new benchmark in the Indian Metro sector by achieving a remarkable speed of 110 kmph, and continues to hold the distinction of being one of the fastest Metro systems in India,” the DMRC said.
With the increase in the operational speed to 110 kmph, passengers can now reach from New Delhi to Airport Terminal-3 in 16 minutes. This speed enhancement has also brought the airport much closer to the city centre in Rajiv Chowk, which is accessible within 15 minutes now. The total travel time from New Delhi to Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station after the current increase will be around 20 minutes.
The total travel time on the entire Airport Metro Line would be reduced to 19 minutes after the speed limit of 120 kmph is ultimately implemented in coming days, the DMRC said.
“This achievement not only highlights DMRC’s commitment to innovation and efficiency but also brings excellent news for passengers traveling to the airport. The combination of high-speed travel and hassle-free connectivity to the airport offers commuters a convenient and economical option,” it adds.
The DMRC has also recently taken measures for passenger convenience in terms of fast and cashless ticketing options through QR codes and WhatsApp-based ticketing which eliminates need for travellers especially those arriving from abroad to go to ticket counters/stand in queue, it said.