The first passengers were overjoyed with the new service, forgetting the long four months of waiting and the disappointing Commonwealth non-opening.

“New delhi metro connecting to the airport is simply awesome,” “confession: I really envy Delhiites for the Delhi Airport Metro Express,” “in the new Delhi Metro Line to the airport. Awesomeness @ 120 kms/hr,” tweeted happy passengers of the inaugural Delhi Airport Express ride.

There were no big fireworks, songs or dances like at similar openings in Vancouver, Dubai and Johannesburg, however, a formal inauguration of the high-speed link, the first metro line in India built on the Public-Private-Partnership model, is likely to take place later.

The 22.7 km rail line now connects New Delhi with Indira Ghandi International Airport in less than 20 minutes, compared to 45-60 minutes by road.

Only four stations are operational at the moment: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, IGI Airport and Dwarka Sec-21. Other two stations Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Aero City are expected to be ready by the time the formal inauguration takes place, sources said.

According to DAMEPL, about 2,000 people travelled on the line between 2pm and 8pm on 23 February, many of whom hopped on only to experience the service on the first day.

Check-in facilities are yet to be made available but once in place, passengers would be able to drop off their bags at New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium and Dhaula Kuan stations.

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