Ride on IGI Metro: 18 mins without cellphone network

Though the high-speed Reliance Airport Metro Express Line offers commuters a fast and comfortable ride,it is yet to address concerns regarding lack of mobile network connectivity during the course of the 18-minute trip.

Though the high-speed Reliance Airport Metro Express Line offers commuters a fast and comfortable ride,it is yet to address concerns regarding lack of mobile network connectivity during the course of the 18-minute trip. Even eight months after its launch,the authorities concerned have not been able to ensure connectivity on the corridor.

Though the operator claimed to have created the infrastructure required for the facility,service providers are yet to seal the deal. According to sources,the reason for this lack of interest among service providers could be the low ridership on the Metro line. Before the service was launched,the DMRC had estimated a daily ridership of 40,000 commuters per day,while a traffic consultant engaged by the concessionaire Reliance Infrastructure pegged the number at 15,500. After eight months of operations,the line has touched a daily ridership mark of 18,000,according to the concessionaire.

Sources said another reason why the service providers are not showing interest could be the fact that the line was opened in parts,with two stations on the corridor Dhaula Kuan and Aerocity commissioned only two months ago. They were reportedly waiting for the line to become fully operational,as they would have to pay the concessionaire for providing the facility once all the equipment is in place.

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Nilanjan Roy,a resident of Dwarka and a regular commuter on the Airport Metro,said,I take the Metro from my house till Shivaji Stadium to get to my office in Connaught Place. Though the Metro service is really fast and comfortable,I get completely disconnected from my office during the commute due to lack of cellphone connectivity.

Pragya Kumar,an HR professional and a frequent flier,said,The Metro service has come as a boon for regular fliers. But it is inconvenient for me because I need to stay connected always to arrange meetings and appointments. Without cellphone connectivity,this becomes impossible.

Though the stations on the corridor have all the telecom infrastructure required,network providers are supposed to install base transceiver stations (BTS) to facilitate wireless communication. Every service provider is required to install this equipment in each of the stations to ensure connectivity within the underground station premises as well as inside the Metro tunnel stretches.

Discussions on mobile connectivity equipment are now at an advanced stage. Recently,a leading group of service providers conducted a technical evaluation and found the Metro infrastructure adequate for extending their service, said a spokesperson with the Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited. Discussions are on with three major service providers. Talks with MTNL are expected to close shortly.

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At present,only Reliance customers can avail of cellphone connectivity within the Metro,considering that the line is operated by Reliance Infrastructure. A complete bouquet of RCOM services is available at all the stations, the spokesperson said.

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