National News 2025-10-15

Steps Towards a ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’: Escalators at Subways and Foot Over Bridges in NDMC Area to Be Functional Again – Kuljeet Singh Chahal

To ensure convenience and smooth mobility for citizens, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to promptly restore the operation of all escalators within its jurisdiction, it is informed by Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman of NDMC, who stated that the Council is working swiftly in this direction.

Shri Chahal informed that a total of 22 escalators have been installed at various major subways within the NDMC area, out of which 13 escalators are currently operational, while 2 escalators have minor issues and 7 escalators have been non-functional for some time due to technical issues and safety concerns. NDMC is now implementing a work plan to repair and restart all these inactive escalators to provide maximum convenience to the millions of daily commuters and citizens in the area.
Additionally, Shri Chahal stated that a total of 4 escalators were installed on major Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) within the NDMC area, located near Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Mother Teresa Crescent.

Out of these, 2 escalators – one near Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and another at Mother Teresa Crescent – have been non-functional for some time due to technical problems. NDMC is now undertaking repair work at both locations and these escalators will be reopened to the public within the stipulated time frame. The escalator on the RML Hospital foot over bridge will be operational by the end of November 2025, and the escalator at Mother Teresa Crescent foot over bridge will be restarted by the end of January 2026.

Shri Chahal also mentioned that previously, due to lack of adequate security, certain incidents had occurred; however, NDMC is now implementing improved safety measures including CCTV surveillance, periodic maintenance and strengthening of monitoring systems.

Once all escalators are operational, they will run for 12 hours daily – from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM – ensuring safe and convenient mobility for citizens.
Shri Chahal said that a large number of people commute daily within the NDMC area. In line with the Hon'ble Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it is the primary responsibility of every municipal body to provide world-class civic amenities to the public. The New Delhi Municipal Council is continuously working in this direction and is committed to providing a smart, convenient, and citizen-friendly New Delhi.