New Delhi, November 29, 2025: In preparation for the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bye-elections, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the operation of special early-morning metro services on both polling and counting days. The move is intended to ensure the timely movement of polling personnel across the 12 wards where elections are scheduled, allowing the smooth conduct of the democratic exercise while minimizing inconvenience to commuters.

According to the DMRC, train operations across all Delhi Metro lines will begin at 4:00 am on Sunday, November 30, the designated polling day, and Wednesday, December 3, when vote counting will take place. On both days, trains will operate at a frequency of 30 minutes until 6:00 am, after which services will revert to the regular timetable for Sundays and weekdays, respectively.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the DMRC highlighted that on polling day, the last train service from all terminal stations will depart at 11:30 pm instead of the usual 11:00 pm to accommodate late-night travel for polling staff and officials. The early start and extended last-train schedule underscore the corporation’s commitment to supporting civic and democratic processes while maintaining metro services for the general public.

Purpose of Special Services

The early-morning metro services have been arranged to ensure that polling personnel, election officers, and other staff deployed across the 12 wards can reach polling stations on time. By adjusting train schedules, the DMRC aims to avoid delays or logistical challenges for the staff responsible for overseeing the polling process.

A senior DMRC official stated, “The early-start services are part of a proactive measure to support the MCD bye-elections. Polling personnel often have to reach remote locations early in the morning, and the Metro provides a fast, safe, and reliable mode of transport. By starting services at 4:00 am, we aim to ensure that election operations proceed without a hitch.”

The 12 wards included in the bye-elections are spread across various parts of Delhi, with some polling stations situated in areas with limited road connectivity. The special early-morning services will provide an efficient alternative to road transport, which may face congestion or delays, particularly in the early hours when official vehicles are being mobilized.

Polling and Counting Day Timetable

On Sunday, November 30, the DMRC confirmed that metro services from all terminal stations will begin at 4:00 am, with a frequency of 30 minutes until 6:00 am. Regular Sunday services will then commence. The last train from each terminal station will depart at 11:30 pm, giving sufficient time for returning polling personnel or election staff to travel back after the day’s work.

Similarly, on Wednesday, December 3, when vote counting is scheduled, metro services will begin at 4:00 am with a frequency of 30 minutes until 6:00 am, followed by the regular weekday timetable. These measures reflect careful planning to facilitate both the deployment of election staff and the general mobility of citizens who may need to travel during early morning hours.

Electoral Preparations and Regulations

The announcement comes in the backdrop of strict electoral preparations by the State Election Commission (SEC) for the 12 MCD wards where by-elections are being held. On November 28, SEC Vijay Dev imposed a 48-hour silence period ahead of the polls, aimed at ensuring free and fair voting. The order restricts all forms of election-related publicity, including the publication or broadcast of opinion polls, surveys, or campaign material, across electronic and print media. The silence period began at 5:30 pm on November 28 and will remain in force until 5:30 pm on November 30.

This silence period is intended to prevent last-minute influence on voters and to create an environment where citizens can exercise their franchise without external pressures. Violations of the silence period rules attract strict action, and political parties, candidates, and media outlets have been advised to comply meticulously.

Candidate Details and Polling Schedule

Nominations for the MCD bye-elections closed on November 10, with a total of 132 candidates filing papers for the 12 vacant seats. Among these candidates, 59 are men and 74 are women, highlighting the growing participation of women in local governance. Key wards such as Shalimar Bagh-B, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka-B, Dichaon Kalan, and Greater Kailash have witnessed a notable number of female candidates filing nominations, indicating increased representation of women in civic administration.

The scrutiny of nomination papers was completed on November 12, after which candidates had the option to withdraw their names by November 15. Polling for the 12 wards will take place on November 30, and counting of votes is scheduled for December 3. The early-morning metro services on both days are therefore strategically aligned with the critical phases of the electoral process.

Ensuring Smooth Public Transport During Elections

In addition to facilitating the movement of polling staff, the DMRC has highlighted that metro services are critical to maintaining overall public mobility in Delhi. By operating early services and extending the last train timings, the Metro ensures that both election staff and the general public have access to reliable transport.

Authorities have also coordinated with local police and election officials to manage crowd movement at metro stations, particularly during early-morning hours, when stations are likely to witness an influx of polling personnel. Measures include additional security arrangements, deployment of staff to guide commuters, and monitoring of train services to prevent overcrowding.

Importance of Public Awareness

Election officials have urged the public to remain aware of the special metro services and the adjusted schedules. Commuters relying on Delhi Metro during the early morning on November 30 and December 3 are advised to plan their travel according to the temporary timetable. Regular services will resume after 6:00 am, and late-night travelers on polling day will benefit from the extended last-train schedule until 11:30 pm.

Additionally, residents are reminded of the ongoing 48-hour election silence period and are advised to avoid engaging in any form of election-related campaigning or publicity. This includes sharing campaign messages on social media or distributing pamphlets, as such activities are strictly prohibited until the conclusion of the silence period.

Civic Participation and Voter Facilitation

The special metro arrangements reflect a broader strategy to facilitate voter participation and support the democratic process. By ensuring that polling personnel reach stations on time and by providing seamless public transport options, the Delhi government and DMRC aim to create an environment conducive to orderly and efficient voting.

Officials noted that transportation challenges have historically been a limiting factor in timely deployment of election staff, especially during early morning hours when traffic congestion and logistical bottlenecks can delay officials. The early-morning metro services are therefore seen as a proactive measure to mitigate such challenges and ensure that the electoral process is not hindered by mobility issues.

Conclusion

As Delhi gears up for the MCD bye-elections, the Delhi Metro’s initiative to provide special early-morning services underscores the city’s commitment to facilitating the smooth conduct of elections. By aligning transport services with the operational needs of polling personnel and the convenience of citizens, the DMRC and electoral authorities are ensuring that both logistical and democratic requirements are met.

With trains running from 4:00 am until regular operations begin, and with extended late-night services on polling day, the Metro’s adjusted timetable reflects a thoughtful and coordinated approach to managing one of Delhi’s most critical local elections. Citizens and polling staff alike are encouraged to take note of the revised schedules, comply with election regulations, and participate responsibly in the democratic process.

The Delhi Metro’s role in this election demonstrates the growing integration of public transport services with civic responsibilities, highlighting how infrastructural support can enhance the efficiency and accessibility of India’s electoral system.