By Soniya:
The Delhi government has launched the ‘Metro Monday’ campaign from 18 May 2026 to encourage greater use of public transport and reduce fuel consumption amid rising global energy concerns. The initiative is part of the broader 90-day ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan’ campaign aimed at promoting responsible energy usage and sustainable public practices.
As part of the campaign, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will operate 24 additional train trips every Monday using six extra metro trains across the network. The move is expected to improve passenger convenience and encourage more commuters to shift from private vehicles to metro services.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally launched the initiative by travelling on the Delhi Metro from Kashmere Gate to ITO Metro Station, symbolically promoting public transport usage among citizens and government officials.
Government Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures
Alongside the metro campaign, the Delhi government has introduced several administrative measures to reduce fuel consumption.
Key steps include:
- Mandatory two-day work-from-home policy for Delhi government employees
- Advisory issued to private companies to adopt similar work-from-home arrangements
- Staggered office timings to reduce traffic congestion
- 20% reduction in petrol allocation for government officials
- Suspension of new government vehicle purchases for six months
Delhi government offices will now function from 10:30 AM to 7 PM, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Public Transport at the Centre of Energy Strategy
The campaign follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and controlled public expenditure during ongoing global energy uncertainties and West Asia tensions.
Officials believe increased use of the Delhi Metro, reduced road traffic, and flexible work arrangements can significantly lower fuel consumption and pollution levels in the national capital.
The Delhi Metro, operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation since 1995, remains one of India’s largest and most important urban transport systems, serving millions of commuters across the National Capital Region every day.
Through the Metro Monday campaign, Delhi aims to promote sustainable urban mobility while encouraging citizens to actively participate in national energy-saving efforts.
