Skip to main content
Part of complete coverage on

India's pollution solution

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • The metro carries thousands of commuters daily, helping Delhi tackle pollution and traffic
  • Journeys are fast, trains run on time and platforms are clean
  • The transport system claims it's the first in the world to earn carbon credits

(CNN) -- Away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi's dusty streets, where rickshaws, crammed buses and the occasional elephant usually set the tone for a cacophonous commuting experience, there is an air-conditioned haven that is the pride of local residents: The Delhi Metro.

Just eight years old, the Indian city's transport system has been hailed as a great success story -- its trains run on time, platforms are clean and journeys are quick.

The metro carries hundreds of thousands of daily commuters and has helped to reduce Delhi's massive traffic and air pollution problems.

Since the start of its first phase, it has saved around 300,000 tons of fuel, and its potential to reduce greenhouse emissions is "quite substantial," according to Anumita Roychowdhury of India's Center for Science and Environment.

Video: New Delhi's 'Miracle Metro'
RELATED TOPICS
  • Delhi
  • India
  • Commuting

Watch a video of the 'miracle metro' or click through our photo gallery above for more images.

With the city now gearing up to host the next Commonwealth Games in October 2010, the transport system is expanding to accommodate athletes, visitors and thousands of commuters.

Have you ever ridden the metro in Delhi? Share your experiences with us below or send us your photos and videos via iReport.