New Delhi: Around 800 metres of signalling cables were damaged during an attempted theft on the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line on Sunday, leading to the regulation of train services between Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 and New Delhi.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the cables were deliberately cut, with severed pieces found near metro pillar number 09 during an inspection. The damage occurred between Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium stations.
“DMRC deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to such incidents of cable theft and is in touch with the law enforcement agencies to address these recurring issues,” said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director (corporate communications), DMRC.
A senior police officer said legal action will be initiated once a formal complaint is received from DMRC.
The damaged cables disrupted the signalling system, forcing trains on the affected up line towards New Delhi to operate at a restricted speed of 25 kmph between Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium. DMRC said normal services continued on the rest of the line.
Trains on the Airport Express Line run at 10-minute intervals. DMRC added that replacing the cables during operating hours would severely affect services, so full restoration work will be carried out at night after revenue operations end, with preparatory work underway during the day.
To keep passengers informed, regular announcements were made at stations and inside trains, and commuters were advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
