In view of the International Yoga Day 2025 celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced changes in its train schedule for June 21. Services on selected lines began earlier than usual to facilitate smooth travel for participants heading to various Yoga Day events in the capital.
The move is aimed at accommodating increased footfall and supporting commuters attending public sessions, especially those held in central Delhi.
To ensure hassle-free connectivity, DMRC commenced services at 3:45 AM on several key lines including the Yellow, Blue, and Violet Lines. Trains ran at 30-minute intervals until regular operations resumed later in the morning.
The early start helped ease traffic congestion near major venues like Kartavya Path and Connaught Place, where large gatherings were expected.
International Yoga Day events in Delhi typically start early in the morning, taking advantage of cooler weather and symbolic sunrise routines. With lakhs of people expected to attend, early metro operations allowed participants to avoid last-minute delays and reduced dependency on road transport.
This was particularly useful for people commuting from suburbs and satellite cities such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram.
This is not the first time DMRC has modified schedules for national events. Over the years, the metro network has played a crucial role during Republic Day, Independence Day, and major sports tournaments.
The swift and reliable service has made the metro an essential part of Delhi’s infrastructure, particularly during large public gatherings and emergencies.
Delhi’s proactive transport measures are increasingly being looked at as models for Tier 2 cities developing metro systems of their own — such as Bhopal, Kochi, Nagpur, and Lucknow. These cities can take lessons from how Delhi manages crowd movement during major events with minimal disruption to routine services.
The integration of public transport into civic planning around public events is becoming essential as urban populations grow.
With Yoga Day celebrated globally and drawing significant participation in Delhi, DMRC’s early morning service adjustment reflects the importance of smart transit planning. As more Indian cities embrace public transportation, Delhi’s metro system continues to serve as a blueprint — not just for movement, but for enabling meaningful community participation in national events.