Snag hits Delhi Metro blue line, thousands affected

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Thousands of commuters were left stranded Wednesday evening as a technical snag hit Delhi Metro's Blue Line during the rush hour, causing delay and overcrowding at many stations, officials said.

The Blue Line operates from Dwarka to Noida City Centre/Vaishali terminals.

"Due to the snapping of an overhead electrical wire near Indraprastha station, no services were available between Yamuna Bank and Barakhamba since 6.40 p.m.," said a statement from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

As a result, three stations between Yamuna Bank and Barakhamba Roada - Indraprastha, Pragati Maidan and Mandi House - were shut down.

Train services were available in loops from Dwarka to Barakhamba and Yamuna Bank to Noida/Vaishali. It said normalcy will be restored as soon as the wire is repaired.

However, according to many commuters who were stuck, the snag developed around 6 p.m. and resulted in crowds overflowing at many stations.

The spill-over effects could be seen at stations as far as Noida Sector 18.

Those who decided to take autos and taxis were reportedly fleeced.

"I waited for the metro for over an hour, and then decided to take the auto (rickshaw) home. But all of them were occupied and the rest were demanding double the normal fare," said Ankita Kapoor, a 19-year-old student who was stuck at the Noida Sector 18 station.