The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) celebrated its 31st Foundation Day on May 3, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in a grand event attended by dignitaries, employees, and stakeholders. The occasion was graced by Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, as the Chief Guest, and Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, as the Guest of Honour.
Key Address by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal
In his address, Shri Manohar Lal highlighted the indispensable role of Delhi Metro in the daily lives of Delhiites, calling it a cornerstone of safe, reliable, and accessible urban mobility. He stressed that “easy, reliable, and safe mobility is the fundamental right of every citizen.” Looking to the future, he noted that by 2047, nearly 50% of India’s population will live in urban areas, underscoring the need to strengthen urban transport infrastructure.
The Minister proposed an innovative idea of adding cargo compartments to metro trains to support small businessmen, vendors, and hawkers, enabling efficient goods transport, reducing energy consumption, and boosting business efficiency. He also emphasized integrating green and renewable energy solutions into metro operations to align with India’s sustainable development goals, positioning metro systems as the lifeline of future-ready urban centers.
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s Remarks
Smt. Rekha Gupta congratulated DMRC, describing Delhi Metro as the “lifeline” of the city. She remarked, “There is a ‘feel good factor’ when a passenger enters the Delhi Metro. They keep it clean, and they follow the rules as well. There has been a behavioural change.” Her words highlighted the Metro’s role in fostering civic responsibility and enhancing the commuter experience.
DMRC Annual Awards
The event featured the presentation of DMRC’s Annual Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions by individuals and teams:
- Metro Woman of the Year: Ms. Preeti, Senior Station Controller/Train Operator
- Metro Man of the Year: Shri Suresh Pawar, Senior Station Manager/Line Supervisor
- Best Metro Station: Karol Bagh Metro Station
- Best Metro Depot: Kalindi Kunj Depot
- Rajbhasha Puruskar: Ms. Anjali, Senior Customer Relations Assistant
A special award was also given to the Metro Adventure Club (MAC) team for promoting team spirit and bonding among DMRC employees through year-long activities.
Distinguished Attendees
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Shri Katikithala Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Chairman, DMRC; Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, GNCTD; and Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC.
Why This Matters
The 31st Foundation Day was a moment to reflect on Delhi Metro’s journey as a symbol of urban progress and its commitment to providing safe, eco-friendly, and dependable transport. The visionary ideas shared by Shri Manohar Lal, such as cargo compartments and green energy integration, signal DMRC’s role in shaping smart, inclusive, and sustainable cities.
Looking Ahead
As Delhi Metro continues to expand and modernize, it remains dedicated to enhancing urban mobility and supporting India’s urbanizing population. The Foundation Day reaffirmed DMRC’s mission to serve as a model for metro systems nationwide, driving innovation and sustainability.