Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro Completes Pollution-Control Equipment: CM Rekha Gupta

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Delhi Metro Initiatives to Fight Against Air Pollution

Delhi Metro Completes Pollution-Control Setup at All Elevated Stations: CM Rekha Gupta. The initiatives taken by DMRC are fully discussed, including Key Details from the Announcement, Delhi’s Anti-Pollution Strategy and many other important Initiatives.

Key Details from the Announcement

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has completed installing pollution-control equipment at all 143 elevated stations in its network in Delhi. This was achieved ahead of the targeted timeline.

  • 131 mist spray systems (also called misting systems) — These release fine water droplets to settle dust particles and reduce airborne pollutants, especially effective in open, elevated areas.
  • 12 anti-smog guns — Used at locations where mist systems faced technical limitations (e.g., structural or operational constraints). Anti-smog guns shoot a high-pressure mist farther to suppress smog and dust.

Breakdown by location type:

  • 89 systems at on-road elevated stations (directly exposed to road traffic and dust).
  • 54 at off-road elevated stations.

CM Rekha Gupta highlighted this as a practical, on-ground initiative to improve air quality in high-footfall public spaces like metro stations. She emphasised it as part of broader government efforts against Delhi’s chronic air pollution.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Steps Up the Fight Against Air Pollution

Timeline and Progress

  • Installations ramped up significantly in January 2026.
  • Earlier phases included 20 anti-smog guns by November 2025, with 10 more added by the end of January 2026 (though the final count for metro-specific is the 12 noted above).
  • Full coverage of 143 stations achieved by early February 2026, beating internal deadlines.

Broader Context in Delhi’s Anti-Pollution Strategy

This DMRC move fits into CM Gupta’s larger push under the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025-26 and winter action plans:

  • Metro expansion (Phase IV corridors) to reduce road vehicle use and thus emissions.
  • Last-mile connectivity via e-autos and feeder services at metro stations.
  • Dust control at construction sites (CM has directed strict measures and even warned of inspections).
  • City-wide tools like mechanical sweepers, water sprinklers, and additional anti-smog guns elsewhere.

Delhi Metro already serves 6.5–7 million daily passengers, and expansions aim to double ridership, indirectly cutting pollution by shifting people from private vehicles.

Why This Matters

Elevated metro stations and corridors are often dust hotspots due to proximity to roads, construction, and open exposure. These systems help suppress particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) locally, providing immediate relief in busy areas — even if they don’t address root causes such as stubble burning or industrial emissions.

The initiative also pairs with urban beautification efforts (e.g., artwork on metro pillars depicting nature/culture themes), combining cleanliness, pollution control, and aesthetics.