Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Delhi Metro Sets Ridership Record Amid DTC Bus Strike
Delhi Metro had its busiest day on September 17.
More than 82 lakh passenger boardings were recorded.
This was higher than the previous record set the day before.
The Yellow Line had the most passengers.
The Blue Line had the second-highest number.
Many people used the Metro because DTC buses were affected by a drivers’ strike.
The strike involved demands for better daily wages, medical benefits and overtime payments.
Metro officials added extra train services to help passengers travel during the rush.
Delhi Metro recorded 82,44,903 passenger boardings on September 17, its highest-ever daily figure.
The total surpassed the previous day’s record by 1,73,273 boardings.
The Yellow Line saw the highest corridor-wise traffic, with 20,89,465 boardings.
The Blue Line ranked second with 17,28,658 boardings, followed by the Pink and Red lines.
DMRC added train services to manage increased demand during the DTC drivers’ strike over wages, medical benefits and overtime pay.
- Who
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and commuters using the Delhi Metro; DTC bus drivers were on strike.
- What
- The Delhi Metro recorded a record 82,44,903 passenger boardings, with the Yellow Line carrying the most.
- When
- September 17, identified in the article as Thursday; the article’s DMRC statement refers to September 17, 2026.
- Where
- Across the Delhi Metro network, including the Airport Express line and Rapid Metro Gurgaon.
- Why
- Passenger numbers rose as the ongoing DTC bus strike reduced bus services and increased demand for Metro travel.
DTC Drivers’ Demands
Transit Operations Response
Reason for the disruption
DTC Drivers’ Demands
DTC bus drivers were striking over demands including higher daily wages, medical benefits and payment for overtime work.
Transit Operations Response
DMRC said it expanded services to accommodate passengers affected by the bus strike and reduce pressure during peak hours.
How commuters were supported
DTC Drivers’ Demands
The strike increased the number of passengers seeking alternative transport, contributing to record Metro boardings.
Transit Operations Response
DMRC planned 20 additional train trips and operated extra trains between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with enhanced arrangements continuing as needed.
- Record ridership
- 82,44,903 passenger boardings on September 17
- Previous record
- 80,71,630 boardings on September 16
- Record increase
- 1,73,273 more boardings than the previous day
- Busiest line
- Yellow Line, with 20,89,465 boardings
- Second-busiest line
- Blue Line, with 17,28,658 boardings
- Other reported lines
- Pink Line: 9,41,527; Red Line: 8,80,059
- Extra services
- DMRC planned 20 additional train trips and operated eight extra trains according to operational requirements