Delhi Metro Airport Line Services Disrupted After Cable Theft Attempt
Delhi Police has filed a First Information Report (FIR) following an attempted cable theft that disrupted services on the Delhi Metro Airport Express line. The incident occurred between Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium stations, causing significant operational challenges.
Cable Damage Leads to Service Slowdown
Miscreants attempted to steal approximately 800 meters of signaling cables along the Airport Express line. Although the thieves cut the cables, they failed to remove them. DMRC officials discovered the damaged cables near metro pillar number 9 during an inspection on Sunday.
The cable damage has severely affected the signaling system. As a result, trains are now operating at a restricted speed of 25 kilometers per hour in the affected section. Normal train services continue on the rest of the Airport Express Line, but the slowdown has caused delays and inconvenience for passengers.
FIR Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Delhi Metro Railway Act
Police have lodged the FIR against unknown persons. The case includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section related to theft, along with various sections of the Delhi Metro Railway Act. This legal action follows a formal complaint filed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Sunday.
DMRC officials emphasized the complexity of repair work. With metros running every 10 minutes on the Airport Line, conducting repairs during operational hours would further disrupt services. To minimize passenger inconvenience, restoration work will be carried out at night after revenue service ends.
Night Repair Work Planned to Restore Normal Operations
The DMRC has already begun necessary planning and preparatory works during daytime hours. These preparations will enable efficient repair activities during nighttime hours when train services are suspended. Officials aim to restore full signaling functionality and normal train speeds as quickly as possible.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges for critical infrastructure in the national capital. The Delhi Metro Airport Express line connects central Delhi with the Indira Gandhi International Airport, serving thousands of passengers daily, including many international travelers.
Authorities continue to investigate the cable theft attempt. They are reviewing security measures along metro corridors to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers have been advised to expect some delays until repairs are completed and normal operations resume.
