The concerns over high volume of traffic on Ring Road has forced the authorities to utilise the virtually defunct “Ring Rail” to transport people and also commercial goods. The step has been taken to decongest the two main peripheral roads around the city in wake of the Commonwealth Games. However, no extra trains have been proposed so far. Officials say that the existing fleet of trains — both passenger and commercial — would be used for the purpose.
On the request of chief minister Sheila Dikshit, railway minister Mamata Banerjee had stated that the railways is planning to reorganise and improve the circular rail network that runs parallel to the Ring Road in Delhi.
“Since all commercial transport will be restricted to enter Delhi during the Commonwealth Games, Ring Rail will be an option to ferry goods in various areas of Delhi,” said a senior government official. The official added that the Ring Rail will be helpful to the daily commuters in Delhi from the neighbouring states. “Daily commuters from NCR, who usually enter Delhi with their transport, can board local trains for their daily business as they will be restricted to bring in their vehicles,” the officials said.
Started during the Asiad 82, the Delhi Ring Rail was a part of the Delhi suburban railway services. There are 12 electric trains on the Ring Rail.