New Delhi: The impasse over baggage handling and check-in facilities at the upcoming Airport express line network has finally come to an end. If sources are to be believed, Air India and some private airlines are likely to introduce the facilities at three Metro stations of the high-speed private Metro line within a few days.
The much-awaited Metro service, which missed the Commonwealth Games deadline, seems to be finally ready to start rolling once the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspects the 22.7-km network and gives it the go-ahead. Although the Commissioner is yet to decide upon the dates for inspection, it is likely to be done soon, said RK Kardam, CMRS.
According to Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Ltd (DAMEPL) of Reliance Infrastructure, the concessionaire company of the line, Air India have already looked at the infrastructure and facilities made available for baggage handling and passenger check-in at the three Metro stations — New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium and Dhaula Kuan. Out of these, the facility at Dhaula Kuan may take some more time to get operational due to some pending works at the station.
“Talks with the Air India and a few private airlines, including Jet Airways and Kingfisher, are in an advanced stage. They are expected to start operations in these three stations soon. Once Air India comes in picture, others will also follow suit,” KP Maheshwari, director, DAMEPL, told the Hindustan Times.