As lakhs of travellers return to the national capital after Chhath Puja celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced early morning operations from key terminals, starting at 5:15 am between October 30 and November 3. The move is designed to handle the anticipated surge of commuters arriving from neighbouring states and to ensure smoother intercity travel during one of the busiest festive periods of the year.
Officials confirmed that the early services will commence from New Delhi Railway Station on the Yellow Line and from Anand Vihar ISBT on the Blue and Pink Lines. Both stations are major transit hubs connecting long-distance rail passengers to the heart of the capital. Ordinarily, the first trains depart around 5:45 am or later, but the temporary revision provides travellers an additional half-hour window to begin their journeys earlier.
This operational change is part of DMRC’s broader effort to support eco-friendly urban mobility and reduce congestion across major interchange points. By coordinating with railway and road transport networks, the Metro aims to prevent the usual bottlenecks that occur when large crowds arrive simultaneously from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other neighbouring regions after Chhath festivities.A senior DMRC official stated that the enhanced schedule is accompanied by additional train trips across several corridors to distribute passenger load evenly. The initiative, though short-term, reflects the transport authority’s growing emphasis on seamless last-mile connectivity and commuter convenience during peak travel days.
Transport experts note that such agile scheduling not only helps manage crowding but also encourages citizens to rely on public transport instead of private vehicles a critical step towards cutting carbon emissions in an already polluted Delhi-NCR air basin. With vehicular pollution being one of the largest contributors to smog, the Metro’s increased frequency and early starts represent an environmentally responsible strategy aligned with the city’s sustainable mobility goals.Commuters returning from long train journeys welcomed the decision, noting that it eases early morning travel fatigue. Many passengers arriving at New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations can now transfer directly to the Metro without long waiting hours. The changes are especially beneficial for those with early office shifts, school schedules, or connecting journeys to Gurugram, Noida, or Faridabad.
The revised timings will remain effective till November 3, after which the Metro will revert to its standard schedule. DMRC officials urge commuters to plan their travel in advance and use smart cards to avoid queues during this high-traffic period.In a city struggling with both festive travel surges and rising air pollution, the Delhi Metro’s timely operational adjustments highlight how sustainable public transport remains central to building efficient, equitable, and low-carbon urban ecosystems.
Delhi Metro starts 5 am trains to manage Chhath Puja rush
