NEW DELHI: Sitting in a
Delhi Metro coach frustrated because your phone is not receiving signals is a common experience for commuters. Things are set to change by November with all metro stations likely to get improved
mobile phone connectivity. While some stretches on the Pink and Magenta lines were improved recently, work has started on boosting
signal strength on the Bhikaji Cama-Lajpat Nagar segment on the Pink Line and Kalkaji Mandir-Janakpuri West on the
Magenta Line.
“The mobile network on the Pink Line from Majlis Park to Sir Vishveshwaraiah Moti Bagh station and on Magenta Line from Botanical Garden to Kalkaji Mandir is fully functional,” said a
DMRC spokesperson. “Contractors have been mobilised to set up mobile signal booster equipment and work is in progress. We expect establishment of full mobile connectivity by the end of November.”
According to DMRC, the main problem of network loss was with underground stations, and it still is one in certain sections of the Blue, Yellow and Airport Express lines. To resolve the problem, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was invited to carry out a survey. “Based on the survey report, DMRC has identified some
weak spots where signalling boosters are required. DMRC has already instructed the contractors to take immediate action,” the DMRC spokesperson added.
The technology to be employed had already been installed at the ITO station and some sections of the Violet Line, which in the past were out of the mobile network access area. “For ITO and other stations, DMRC asked the contractor to upgrade the system and install boosters at critical points. We are adopting this same technology on a larger scale now,” the official said.
Delhi Metro began operations on the Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus-Lajpat Nagar section of the Pink Line earlier this month, while the Majlis Park-Durgabai Deskhmukh South Campus section was opened in March.
Representational image
