New Delhi: With the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) inviting public suggestions from July 15 to August 14, 2026, veteran RTI activist and social reformer Subhash Chandra Agrawal has proposed a series of practical measures aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, improving accessibility, and streamlining the commuter experience across the Delhi Metro network.
More Escalators Needed for Passenger Convenience
One of the key recommendations focuses on expanding the availability of escalators across metro stations. While DMRC has installed escalators and lifts at most stations, Agrawal points out that several stations still have designated spaces where escalators have not yet been installed.
He suggests that DMRC conduct a comprehensive survey of all stations and expedite the installation of escalators wherever infrastructure provisions already exist.
Additionally, Agrawal recommends introducing downward-moving escalators, particularly for senior citizens, women, and passengers carrying luggage. At many stations, escalators operate only in the upward direction despite parallel staircases. According to him, some existing escalators could simply be switched to operate downward without requiring major infrastructure changes.
Revisiting Metro Station Names
The proposal also calls for greater consistency in station naming with a stronger emphasis on Hindi.
Agrawal notes that the recent renaming of Udyog Bhawan Metro Station to Sewa Tirth Metro Station reflects DMRC’s willingness to update station names. He suggests that stations such as Kendriya Sachivalaya should be uniformly referred to by their Hindi names instead of using the English equivalent “Cabinet Secretariat.”
He also raises concerns about the name Yamuna Bank Metro Station, arguing that it may create confusion by implying the presence of a financial institution. He recommends renaming it to Yamuna Teer or Yamuna Paar, which would better reflect the station’s geographical location while promoting the use of Hindi.
Remove Encroachments Near Metro Stations
Another major issue highlighted is the presence of encroachments along approach roads leading to several metro stations.
Agrawal specifically cites the approach route from Dr. H.C. Sen Road to Chandni Chowk Metro Station, where unauthorized vendors and hawkers have narrowed pedestrian pathways, making access difficult for commuters. According to him, many passengers prefer entering through the nearby Omaxe Mall rather than navigating the congested lane.
He urges DMRC to coordinate with civic authorities to remove illegal encroachments and, if necessary, seek judicial intervention for expedited action. Once cleared, the approach roads should be redesigned to ensure safe and comfortable pedestrian movement.
A Citizen-Centric Vision for Delhi Metro
The suggestions emphasize practical improvements that could significantly enhance the daily experience of millions of Delhi Metro commuters. Better accessibility through additional escalators, more intuitive station names, and obstruction-free access roads would not only improve passenger convenience but also strengthen the overall efficiency of one of India’s largest urban transport systems.
As DMRC continues to invite public feedback, such citizen-driven recommendations offer valuable insights into making the Delhi Metro more inclusive, accessible, and commuter-friendly.
