Delhi Metro is the city’s transport lifeline, but let’s be honest—getting to and from the metro station is often a nightmare. You either haggle with auto drivers, get stuck in overpriced cabs, or, if you’re lucky, squeeze into an e-rickshaw already packed beyond capacity. For many, last-mile connectivity is the weakest link in an otherwise efficient metro system.
Now, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is stepping in with a first-of-its-kind feature—integrating bike and auto bookings into its mobile app, Momentum 2.0. Partnering with Rapido, this initiative aims to provide a seamless journey from your doorstep to your destination. But will it truly change the way Delhi travels?
Metro Ticketing Meets Ride Booking—How It Works
You open the Delhi Metro app, buy your ticket, and instantly book a bike or auto for pickup from your location. Just before you reach your destination metro station, another ride is automatically arranged to take you the rest of the way. No app-hopping, no extra hassle.
A DMRC official, speaking to The Print, explained, “The app will automatically book a bike or auto for pickup from the origin to the nearest metro station. Just before the commuter reaches their destination metro station, another ride will be booked for last-mile connectivity.”
However, there’s a catch. The system does not track your movement in real time. Instead, it books the return ride based on your estimated travel time. The official clarified, “The bookings are done based on the estimated travel time of the journey. A commuter’s movement will not be tracked during this process.”
This means that if your metro gets delayed, your pre-booked ride might leave without you. While the concept is promising, execution will determine its success.
Why Solving Last-Mile Connectivity Is Critical
For years, poor last-mile options have pushed many Delhiites toward personal vehicles, especially two-wheelers. E. Madhu, Chief Scientist at CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), highlights how first and last-mile struggles impact metro ridership.
A 2015 CSIR-CRRI study found that metro users spend over 50% of their total travel costs on first and last-mile transport. Even today, getting to the metro often costs as much as the metro ticket itself. This makes public transport seem less economical, especially for daily commuters. “Even today, commuters have to pay a significant amount for last-mile travel. There is a need to find solutions to make last-mile travel more affordable,” says Madhu.
With the Delhi Metro clocking 71 lakh daily passenger journeys in February 2024, solving this issue could push even more people to ditch personal vehicles and rely entirely on public transport.
Also Read: Breakfast Babble: How I Find Commute In Delhi Metro Amusing
Will This Feature Boost Metro Ridership?
The idea behind this move is simple yet powerful—make metro travel so convenient that commuters don’t think twice before choosing it over their bikes or cars.
One major advantage is that DMRC will collect travel data to analyse patterns, optimise routes, and improve train frequency. This could lead to better-coordinated schedules, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency.
However, affordability remains the biggest roadblock. Many budget-conscious travellers might still prefer their own vehicles if auto and bike rides remain expensive. For this initiative to work, DMRC must ensure that last-mile fares remain competitive, ideally making the entire journey cheaper than using a personal vehicle.
Challenges That Could Make Or Break This Plan
While this initiative is a great step forward, some key issues need immediate attention:
– No Real-Time Tracking = Missed Rides – If your metro is delayed, your pre-booked auto or bike might leave without you. A real-time sync feature could fix this.
– Pricing Could Be A Dealbreaker – If fares aren’t pocket-friendly, commuters might stick to their current methods of travel. DMRC must ensure that the price stays cheaper than that of personal vehicles.
– Limited Transport Choices – Right now, only Rapido autos and bikes are available. Expanding to e-rickshaws, shared cabs, or even cycle-sharing could greatly improve accessibility.
If these hurdles aren’t addressed, the initiative might not have the impact DMRC hopes for.
DMRC’s new feature is a bold move that could redefine urban commuting in Delhi. If it works as intended, metro travel will become more seamless than ever, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and cutting traffic congestion.
However, execution is key. If real-time tracking, affordability, and transport variety aren’t fixed, this innovation might end up as just another feature people don’t use. The success of this initiative will decide whether Delhi Metro remains the king of urban transport—or if commuters keep looking for better options.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Print, Jagran English
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Delhi Metro, DMRC, Last Mile Connectivity, Metro Travel, Public Transport, Delhi Traffic, Rapido, Metro App, Momentum 2.0, Urban Mobility, Sustainable Transport, First Mile Connectivity, Last Mile Problem, Metro Ridership, Affordable Transport, Daily Commute, Smart Mobility, Transportation Solutions, Traffic Congestion, Public Transport Solutions, Metro Convenience, Delhi News, Commuter Problems, Auto Booking, Bike Booking, Digital Ticketing, Smart City, Transport Innovation, Travel Easy, Metro Expansion, Green Mobility
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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