The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced an early start to services on three major corridors this Sunday, May 25.
The move aims to facilitate smooth and timely travel for thousands of candidates appearing for the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination across the National Capital Region.The adjusted schedule will see Delhi Metro services begin at 6 AM—an hour earlier than the regular 7 AM Sunday start—on the Pink (Line 7), Magenta (Line 8), and Grey (Line 9) lines. This decision, announced on Thursday by DMRC’s Principal Executive Director Anuj Dayal, is a targeted intervention designed to ensure that aspirants reach their examination centres without the stress of last-mile connectivity issues or early morning delays.
“To support candidates appearing for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, metro services will begin earlier than usual from terminal stations on these three lines,” said Dayal. The Pink Line will start operations from terminals including Majlis Park and Shiv Vihar, while the Magenta Line will see early departures from Janakpuri West and Botanical Garden. Notably, Krishna Park Extension on the Magenta Line will begin service slightly earlier, at 5:50 AM. On the Grey Line, both Dhansa Bus Stand and Dwarka terminals will also begin operations from 6 AM.
This seemingly minor change has major implications for equity in urban mobility.
The UPSC examination is a crucial gateway to India’s civil services and attracts candidates from all walks of life. For many aspirants—especially those from low-income households or peripheral neighbourhoods—the availability of reliable and affordable public transport can mean the difference between making it to the exam hall or missing out altogether.
By initiating early services, Delhi Metro has once again demonstrated its capacity to respond swiftly and sensitively to the city’s needs. This isn’t just about operational flexibility; it reflects a larger commitment to inclusive urban planning and sustainable mobility. It’s a model for how metro systems in other Indian cities can align infrastructure with public welfare objectives—especially on high-stakes days like national exams.The broader significance of such transit interventions also ties into Delhi’s ongoing battle with congestion, pollution, and inefficient road use. Encouraging public transport for key events not only eases pressure on the road network but also helps reduce emissions by dissuading private vehicle use. In this way, the early metro service functions as both a logistical solution and a small but impactful step toward building a zero-carbon urban future.
For now, all other metro lines will operate as per the normal Sunday schedule. But for the thousands of young minds preparing to appear for the UPSC exam—some of whom may be travelling from far-flung areas—this advance in start time could prove decisive.
Ultimately, the DMRC’s move reiterates an important principle: that civic infrastructure, when managed with foresight and inclusiveness, can become a real enabler of opportunity. In a city as large and diverse as Delhi, even a 60-minute head start on a Sunday morning can carry the promise of transformative change.
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