For metro commuters, mobile phone connectivity is a perpetual hassle. But, for passengers taking the Mandi House-ITO stretch of Delhi metro’s underground corridor, it’s almost like going back in time as there is ‘zero’ signal.
According to 36-year-old Payal Sarvari, a marketing expert, the stretch between Mandi House and ITO is like stepping into a no-man’s land. “It is scary with no mobile connection at all.” The problem persists even though it has been more than two months since the ITO station was inaugurated. So far, it has witnessed an average ridership of over 7,000 per day, all of whom have the same complaint.
Surprisingly, while the station was inaugurated, the Delhi Metro did not find the urgent need to install base transceivers here. A response from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) stated: “Mobile connectivity between ITO and Mandi House stations will be established soon as work is in progress. Delhi metro provides all assistance including space to mobile network providers and they are supposed to install their equipment and ensure its efficiency.”
“Calls get disconnected several times when one is travelling in the metro. By now, we are mentally prepared and so are my friends. The stretch between Mandi House and ITO stations is almost like a black-hole with no network,” said Nikhil Rai, a frequent traveller.
Call drops are a regular menace in almost all underground metro stations, primarily at Mandi House, Vishwa Vidyalaya, Patel Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate and AIIMS. The problem also persists at elevated metro stations like Akshardham and Rajeev Chowk.
Mobile connectivity between ITO and Mandi House stations will be established soon: DMRC
