New Delhi: A viral Reddit thread has ignited a debate online over whether the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) should start 24/7 operations, pitting the needs of a round-the-clock workforce against the harsh realities of engineering and economics.
The conversation was sparked by Reddit user u/Primary_Bank4923, who argued that as a global capital city, Delhi’s infrastructure should reflect its non-stop nature. “Delhi Metro should run 24/7. It’s the capital city, it should not sleep,” the user posted, highlighting the plight of night-shift employees, students, and late-night workers who are currently left with few safe transit options.
Delhi Metro should run 24*7
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u/Primary_Bank4923 in
delhi
The case for a “city that never sleeps”
The post leaned heavily on the issues of safety and the economy. The user suggested that a 24/7 metro would fundamentally change the safety profile of the National Capital Territory (NCT). “I know Delhi is not safe but that’s the point… Public transport/amenities should be accessible 24/7,” the post read, suggesting that reliable transit would provide a “sense of safety” for those currently afraid to step outside after dark.
The user argued that a 24-hour loop would boost a “night economy,” creating more jobs and allowing businesses to thrive beyond traditional hours. The post drew a direct comparison to the New York City Subway, which famously operates 24 hours a day.
The maintenance vs mobility clashes
However, the proposal post divides online, as many Redditors pointed out the logistical nightmares associated with a 24-hour schedule.
Critics of the idea, such as user u/Hopeful-King-1913, raised the issue of financial viability. “They can’t run a train just for 10-15 people… it might not be financially feasible,” they commented. Instead, they suggested a compromise, running only critical routes like the Yellow Line or the Airport Express, noting that many travellers avoid late-night flights specifically because they don’t want to rely on expensive cabs.
Another major sticking point was technical maintenance. One user pointed out that the 4-to-5-hour nightly shutdown is the only window DMRC has to inspect tracks and systems. They warned that NYC’s 24/7 system is often “filthy and riddled with technical issues,” arguing that Delhi’s current efficiency is only possible because of the nightly maintenance break.
Finding a middle ground?
Despite the pushback, the demand for better late-night connectivity remains high. Supporters of the move slammed the “ridiculous” total shutdown, arguing that commuters shouldn’t be forced into the hands of ride-sharing giants like Ola and Uber after 11:30 PM.
“Just change the frequency to maybe 20 or 30 minutes due to low demand,” suggested another user. “All tier-1 cities need metro running 24/7. It will be a good step towards safety and comfort.”
As the debate continues to trend, the DMRC has yet to officially comment on the possibility of extended hours.