Tue May 27 03:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Despite being an affordable and expansive transportation option connecting Delhi to its surrounding NCR areas, the Delhi suburban railway (Delhi local) is struggling due to neglect, overcrowding, and unreliability. Unlike the Delhi Metro, which continues to modernize and offer new conveniences, the local train system suffers from infrequent service, delays, and safety concerns, particularly for women. The affordability of the local train makes it a crucial transportation option for low-income commuters and small businesses, but the deteriorating service is forcing them to seek more expensive alternatives, ultimately impacting their livelihoods. Experts advocate for investment in the Delhi local to complement the Metro, offering affordable and accessible transportation to rural areas of the NCR, but modernization plans remain absent.

**News Article:**

**Neglected Delhi Suburban Railway Struggles to Stay on Track Amidst Metro Boom**

**New Delhi, May 27, 2025** – While the Delhi Metro continues to expand and offer new features, the city’s older suburban railway network, known as the “Delhi local,” is facing a crisis of neglect that threatens its viability, according to a recent report. Once a vital transportation artery connecting Delhi to its neighboring National Capital Region (NCR), the local train system now suffers from overcrowding, delays, and safety concerns, particularly for women passengers.

First launched in 1955, the Delhi local once provided fast, cheap transport. But according to the Central Road Research Institute, it now carries just 0.5-3% of commuter traffic, far below the ideal 6-7%. Commuters complain of wait times upwards of an hour and jam-packed coaches, with priority often given to express trains. Women report harassment and theft are rampant.

The affordability of the local train is a lifeline for low-income residents, with monthly season tickets costing as little as ₹270, compared to the metro’s ₹4,500. Dairy farmers and other small vendors also rely on the train to transport their goods. However, unreliable service is jeopardizing their businesses, forcing them to explore costlier options or abandon their trades altogether.

Experts like Dr. Velmurugan Senathipati argue that the local train should complement the Metro, acting as a feeder service to rural NCR areas where the Metro doesn’t reach. Dr. Velmurugan urges for better scheduling, more frequent trains, modernized infrastructure, and dedicated tracks. Sadly, there are currently no modernization or renovation plans in sight, raising concerns about the future of this vital, yet neglected, public transport system.

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