With thousands of bus drivers and conductors off duty, commuters turned to the Metro in large numbers, forcing DMRC to run extra services to handle the rush. Delhi Metro recorded its highest-ever single-day passenger boardings on September 17, with 82,44,903 journeys logged across the network as the DTC bus strike disrupted travel across the capital.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the record after services came under extra pressure during the ongoing strike by Delhi Transport Corporation drivers and conductors. It announced additional services across the network to deal with the rush. The record came as the bus strike affected public transport across Delhi. The workers have been demanding higher wages and other benefits.
In a post on X, Delhi Metro said, “DMRC Records Highest-Ever Passenger Boardings of 82,44,903 on 17th September 2026. Around 12,000 drivers and conductors took part in the protest on Wednesday, according to the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union. Independent reporting also confirmed that the Metro added 20 train trips, with eight extra trains deployed according to operational needs.
In another post on X, Delhi Metro said, “Delhi Metro Makes Extensive Arrangements to Manage Additional Crowd amid Ongoing DTC Bus Strike” DMRC said the arrangements were made to handle more passengers during the busiest hours.
DMRC had prepared for the increase in passengers before the record was set.
Delhi Transport Workers Continue Strike Amid Unresolved Pay Dispute
The strike by Delhi transport workers entered its third day on September 18, as their demands for better pay and benefits remain unaddressed. The union is advocating for improvements related to government holidays, annual bonuses, medical benefits, and social security measures.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh has urged the workers to return to their posts, emphasizing that private operators of electric buses have been instructed to engage with the workers’ concerns. Despite these appeals, the protesters insist on concrete action regarding their outstanding demands before they will consider ending the strike.
