Train services on Delhi’s high-speed Airport Express Line were disrupted on Saturday after a major incident of cable theft damaged critical signalling infrastructure, forcing authorities to regulate services and reduce train speeds on a key section of the corridor.
According to officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), around 800 metres of signalling cables were cut by unidentified miscreants in the stretch between Dhaula Kuan Metro Station and Shivaji Stadium Station. The incident was detected during routine inspection after train operations were affected early in the day.
While the cables were cut in what appears to be an attempted theft, the perpetrators failed to carry away the material. The severed cable pieces were later recovered near Metro Pillar Number 09, indicating that the attempt was either interrupted or abandoned midway.
Signalling Failure Forces Speed Restrictions
The damaged cables are part of the metro’s signalling system, which plays a critical role in ensuring safe train movement and maintaining operational speed. Due to the disruption, trains operating on the Up Line towards New Delhi are currently running at a restricted speed of 25 kmph between Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium.
Metro officials clarified that train services on the remaining sections of the Airport Express Line are operating normally. However, the slowdown in the affected stretch has led to longer travel times for passengers heading towards the city.
The Airport Express Line, which connects the Indira Gandhi International Airport to the heart of the capital, typically operates with a train frequency of every 10 minutes and is heavily used by air travellers, daily commuters, and office-goers.
Repairs Deferred to Night to Avoid Passenger Disruption
DMRC officials said that immediate replacement of the damaged signalling cables during operational hours was not feasible without severely affecting passenger services.
“Signalling repair work requires extended traffic blocks, which are not possible during revenue service hours on a high-frequency corridor like the Airport Express Line,” an official said.
To minimise inconvenience, the restoration work will be carried out at night after the end of passenger services. In the meantime, technical teams are conducting preparatory work and logistical planning during daytime to ensure that the repairs can be completed swiftly once night blocks are available.
Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead
To keep commuters informed, DMRC has been making regular announcements at stations and inside trains operating on the Airport Express Line. Passengers have been advised to factor in additional travel time while planning their journeys, particularly those heading to or from the airport.
Despite the disruption, no train services have been cancelled, and operations continue under regulated conditions to maintain safety.
Rising Concern Over Metro Cable Thefts
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of cable theft and vandalism affecting metro infrastructure in Delhi. Such incidents not only cause operational delays but also pose serious safety risks and result in significant financial losses due to repair and replacement costs.
DMRC said it is in close coordination with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and address the issue of recurring cable thefts across the network.
The metro operator expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and reiterated its commitment to restoring normal services at the earliest while ensuring safety remains the top priority.
