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Services on a newly opened stretch of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation network were disrupted after signalling cables were stolen from the track section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park. Nearly 1,000 metres of cable were removed, affecting the signalling system and forcing trains to run at restricted speeds, leading to delays for commuters. The corridor had become operational only days earlier as part of the Delhi Metro expansion. Police arrested one suspect and recovered burnt cable pieces during the investigation, while authorities began restoration work and increased surveillance along vulnerable sections of the route.
Train operations on a recently opened section of the Delhi Metro were affected after signalling cables were stolen from the track between Bhalswa and Majlis Park. The theft disrupted the signalling system used to regulate train movement, forcing trains to operate at a restricted speed of about 25 kmph instead of the usual 60-80 kmph. The slowdown led to delays in services for commuters travelling on the affected corridor. Advertisement
The incident was detected early in the morning before regular passenger services began. Officials at the operations control centre of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation received information from the signal controller at Majlis Park station that a section of cable was missing. The problem was noticed at around 4:20 am, after which technical teams were alerted and train movement was regulated to maintain safety.
The disruption occurred only days after the newly built corridor became operational. The affected section forms part of the Pink Line expansion connecting Deepali Chowk and Majlis Park. The corridor had recently been inaugurated by Narendra Modi along with another stretch linking Majlis Park with Maujpur Babarpur, aimed at improving connectivity in the northern and eastern parts of Delhi.
Initial assessment by DMRC officials showed that nearly 1,000 metres of signalling cable had been removed from the trackside infrastructure. These cables play an important role in monitoring train movement, transmitting signals, and ensuring safe operation across the metro network. Because the signalling system was partially affected, trains had to be operated manually at reduced speeds until repairs could be completed.
Following the alert, teams from the metro security unit and local police started searching nearby areas. During the search operation, officers noticed a group attempting to burn wires in a forested patch to extract copper from the stolen cables. Police managed to arrest one suspect identified as Seikh Safiq from Jahangirpuri, while others present at the spot escaped. Burnt pieces of cable measuring around 170-180 metres were recovered from the site.
Based on a complaint filed by a DMRC official, police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Delhi Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Act. Investigators have also launched further raids to trace other people suspected to be involved in the theft.
Officials said restoration work on the damaged signalling infrastructure would be carried out during non-operational hours after passenger services end so that disruption during the day remains limited. Technical teams were deployed to reinstall cables and check signalling systems across the affected stretch.
The incident has again highlighted the issue of cable theft targeting metro infrastructure. Copper used in signalling and power systems often attracts theft because of its scrap value. In previous cases across the network, such thefts have led to temporary disruptions in services until damaged infrastructure was repaired.
To address the problem, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been exploring ways to reduce the use of copper in certain systems. In some sections, the agency has begun replacing copper components with aluminium alternatives that have lower resale value and therefore reduce the risk of theft.
Officials are also reviewing security arrangements on newly opened metro corridors. Surveillance of vulnerable stretches, especially in isolated track areas, is being strengthened with additional patrols and monitoring so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. What caused the disruption on the Delhi Metro corridor?
Train services on a newly opened stretch of the Delhi Metro were disrupted after signalling cables were stolen from the track section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park. Nearly 1,000 metres of cable were removed, affecting the signalling system responsible for regulating train movement and ensuring operational safety.
2. How did the theft affect metro train operations?
Due to the damaged signalling infrastructure, trains on the affected stretch had to run at restricted speeds of around 25 kmph, compared with the usual 60-80 kmph. This precaution was necessary to maintain passenger safety but led to service delays for commuters travelling on the corridor.
3. When and how was the incident discovered?
The issue was detected early in the morning, around 4:20 am, when officials at the operations control centre received a report from the signal controller at Majlis Park station. Technical teams were immediately alerted and train movements were regulated to prevent safety risks.
4. Which metro corridor was affected by the cable theft?
The theft occurred on a section of the Delhi Metro Pink Line connecting Deepali Chowk and Majlis Park. This corridor had recently been inaugurated as part of the Delhi Metro expansion to improve connectivity in the northern and eastern parts of the city.
5. Has anyone been arrested in connection with the theft?
Police arrested one suspect, Seikh Safiq, after authorities spotted a group attempting to burn wires to extract copper from the stolen cables in a nearby forested area. About 170-180 metres of burnt cable pieces were recovered during the operation.
6. What steps are being taken to restore services and prevent future incidents?
Technical teams from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation began restoration work during non-operational hours to reinstall cables and test signalling systems. Authorities are also increasing surveillance, patrols, and security monitoring along vulnerable track sections and exploring the replacement of copper components with aluminium alternatives to reduce theft risks.
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