Delhi Airport Metro Express line to open from from 2pm today

NEW DELHI: Four months after missing the deadline , the Reliance-led concessionaire , Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL), will finally open the airport link for the public on 2pm on Wednesday . Passengers will, however , get a no-frills service , officials admitted .

Parking is not available at the New Delhi railway station (the originating station of the link ) at present , said an official , adding , “We are also in talks to set up the cab services .” That’s not all still in the works . Sources said that besides cab services , the concessionaire was also trying to tie up other commercial services like prepaid and TSR booths as well as check-in counters .

Good news is that along with passenger service DAMEPL will also provide porter services . The concessionaire has tied up with a private agency to deploy “educated” porters . “The porters have been given training in interpersonal skills for easy interaction with passengers ,” said an official .

Refusing to divulge details about the porter rates , officials said that other services like radio cabs were expected to become available “soon” .

The concessionaire will also offer a helpline service to commuters : 011-30802080 . The helpline , available between the operational hours of 6am and 10pm, will offer information on fares , route , train operations and timings as well as double up as a public grievance system . Passengers can also use the helpline number to arrange for special arrangements like wheelchairs for senior citizens and physically disabled commuters .

According to DAMEPL officials , the frequency of trains on the Airport Express Metro line will initially be kept at 20 minutes . “This will be brought down subsequently , depending on factors like footfall , demand and other feedback ,” added the official .

DAMEPL also intends to ply four-six trains in the beginning , said sources . The concessionaire will be acquiring more trains from CAF, Spain , later . With a cost of Rs 5,700 crore , the Airport Express Metro line is the first PPP (public-privatepartnership ) Metro project in the city .

The trains , which will run at a speed of 105kmph at present , have LCD screens showing flight information . A part of the compartments has been reserved for luggage .

With a base fare of Rs 80 for travel from New Delhi railway station to IGI airport , the airport link is targeted at those looking for a hassle-free commute to the airport .

The concessionaire also hopes to address the need of commuters travelling to and from Dwarka to the heart of the city in a fraction of the time usually taken by other modes of travel . The fare for this service has been kept at Rs 100, which, DAMEPL officials claim , is “reasonable” for the comfort and time offered by the airport link . There are also monthly passes .