Delhi Metro: Thieves steal 1 km of signalling cable on magenta line just 4 days after opening. What passengers need to know

Just four days after the new Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park stretch on the Magenta Line became operational, train services were significantly disrupted on Thursday due to the theft of signalling cables. Approximately 1,000 metres of cables were stolen before the start of service, prompting police to arrest one suspect at the scene.

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How the Cable Theft Affected Metro Operations

DMRC's Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications Anuj Dayal said, “The cable theft disrupted the signalling system. Trains had to operate at a restricted speed of 25 km/h between Bhalswa and Majlis Park stations.”


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To avoid inconveniencing passengers further, restoration work is planned to take place overnight after revenue service hours. Preparatory work is being conducted during the day to ensure swift repair during the night.

Arrest Made After Early Morning Theft

Police were informed of the incident around 4:20am by the signal controller at Majlis Park, who reported that the signalling system was severely affected. A night patrol team discovered suspects melting wires to extract copper in a nearby jungle area.

The arrested individual, identified as 28-year-old Seikh Safiq from Jahangirpuri, was found in possession of 170–180 metres of burnt cable. A case was registered under multiple sections of the BNS and the DMRC Act at Azadpur Metro Police Station.

Measures Taken by DMRC and Metro Police

A joint survey of vulnerable points was conducted by Metro Police and DMRC teams, and raids are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects. Dayal expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and confirmed close coordination with law enforcement to prevent recurring cable thefts.

Past Incidents Highlight Persistent Risk

Cable theft has historically caused delays across Delhi Metro lines. On 11 January, services on the Airport Express Line (Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 to New Delhi) were affected after nearly 800 metres of signalling cables were damaged during an attempted theft.

According to DMRC officials, these thefts generally occur between 12:30am and 4am when services are not operational. Thieves typically climb onto viaducts at night, cut the cables, hand them to accomplices, and flee. The high copper and aluminium content of the cables makes them particularly valuable.

How Passengers Can Stay Updated

Passengers are advised to stay informed via DMRC announcements and exercise caution while planning travel during ongoing restoration work.

Inputs from TOI