Delhi Metro's Newly Inaugurated Magenta Line Faces Service Disruption Due to Cable Theft
Just four days after becoming operational, train services on the newly inaugurated Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line were significantly impacted on Thursday. The disruption occurred after approximately 1,000 meters of crucial signalling cables were stolen from the metro corridor before the start of service.
Police Arrest Suspect at the Scene
Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly to the incident, arresting one suspect directly from the location where the cable theft occurred. The theft has raised serious security concerns about infrastructure protection along Delhi's expanding metro network.
Signalling System Compromised, Trains Forced to Slow Down
The cable theft directly affected the metro's signalling system, creating operational challenges for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). According to Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, trains were compelled to operate at a restricted speed of just 25 kilometers per hour in the affected section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park metro stations.
"The cable theft disrupted the signalling system," Dayal confirmed. "Trains ran at a restricted speed of 25 kmph in the affected section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park metro stations."
Recent Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
This development comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this 9.9-kilometer corridor on Sunday. The Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park stretch forms part of the Magenta Line, while the ceremony also marked the opening of the Majlis Park-Maujpur extension of the Pink Line, representing significant additions to Delhi's metro infrastructure.
Repair Challenges During Operational Hours
Dayal further explained the technical challenges facing DMRC engineers, noting that installation of signalling cables would not be possible without adversely affecting passenger services during revenue hours. This statement highlights the delicate balance between maintaining service continuity and conducting essential repairs on operational metro lines.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical urban infrastructure to theft and vandalism, particularly on newly inaugurated sections that serve thousands of daily commuters. DMRC officials are now reviewing security measures along the metro network while working to restore full operational capabilities on the affected Magenta Line stretch.
