Metro to introduce 14 lakh new tokens as passenger rush increases

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI) The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to order 14 lakh additional tokens keeping in mind the increase of passenger traffic.

The new black colour tokens for single journey travel would be introduced from tomorrow.

At present, Metro tokens are blue and red in colour and the old tokens would continue to be valid and used by the DMRC as usual, a spokesperson said today.

About 2 lakh red and blue colour tokens are presently in circulation and the Delhi Metro will be introducing another 2.5 lakh new black colour tokens from Monday in a phased manner as passenger ridership goes up in view of new sections to be opened in Phase-II of the Metro Project.

In view of the expected increased rush and passenger flow, the DMRC has ordered an additional 14 lakh tokens for single journeys and the 2.5 lakh black tokens being introduced from Monday are the first instalment of this order.

The different colour of the new batch has been introduced to differentiate with the old batches of tokens already available on the system.

At present, 6.5 lakh passengers travel everyday on the Metro and this is expected to increase to between 15-20 lakh passengers per day with the completion of 125 km of Phase-II by 2010.

The DMRC has carried out progressive indignisation of the manufacture of its tokens. Initially, all the tokens were imported from France and cost about Rs 98 each. However, the DMRC gradually indignised the technology and now the tokens are produced in India at a cost of only Rs 20.50 each.

The first section of Phase-II to be opened will be Shahdara-Dilshad Garden section by the end of May or beginning of June.

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