After months of missed deadlines and failed safety clearances the line is expected to start its operations in about a week, but CMRS R K Kardam has recommended cutting down the speed of the trains and reconsidering the security set-up.

"A few observations have been made, which I hope DMRC will address soon," Kardam said. These include reducing speed from 120 kmph that DAMEL has been proposing to 105 kmph and reviewing the use of private security on the line.

“The line has been commissioned for opening to the public as the four approved stations and other passenger amenities have been found fit for operations. However, train speed restrictions have been imposed and the operator has to work on a few aspects before scaling up the speed, for which a separate application has to be sent,” Kardam said.

The Delhi Airport Metro Express Line currently will stop at four stations: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Indira Ghandi International Airport and Dwarka sector 21, with Dhaula Kuan and the NH8 stations to open in the future soon.

Three stations will have check-in facilities – New Delhi, Shivaji and Dhaula, with the first two also offering the baggage check-in. So far only Air India will be offering check-in services at the stations.

The journey from New Delhi station to IGI Airport will take around 20 minutes at a speed of 105 kmph.

DAMEL facts:

• Length: 22.7 km - 7 km elevated, 15.7 km underground
• Frequency (expected): 10 min
• Expected ridership: 42,500 by 2011
• Speed: planned 120 kmph, but after CMRS approval it will now run at 105 kmph
• Fare: yet to be announced.
• New Delhi station: luggage & passengers check-in, multi-level car parking.
• Shivaji station: luggage & passengers check-in.
• Dhaula Kuan: hand luggage only check-in
• IGI Station: adjacent to Terminal 3.

Sign in with a social network: