Though Metro services on the line began just hours before the opening ceremony, people opted for the 'safe and comfort' mode of public transport to reach the stadium on time to watch the programme.
From CWG volunteers to general public -- everyone boarded the newly-inaugurated Central Secretariat-Sarita Vihar Metro train for a 'joy ride' till Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium station to watch the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
Though Metro services on the line began just hours before the opening ceremony, people opted for the 'safe and comfort' mode of public transport to reach the stadium on time to watch the programme.
Huge queues could be seen everywhere at the Central Secretariat station, from where the train to Sarita Vihar starts, with people from all walks of life waiting to board a Metro train.
In the midst of the crowd was the man who gave the people of Delhi the Metro -- E Sreedharan. He also used the transport system along with his family to reach the venue of the opening ceremony of the Games.
Every train which began its journey from the CST station was jam-packed and almost emptied at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium station.
There were delays and some minor glitches on the inaugural day, but people did not complain much about that.
Sumitra, a college student, says she was waiting for the Metro to open today as she can take it to reach JLN Stadium and watch the opening ceremony.
"Many people would not have made it to the venue if the Metro had not started today. It is really good and we reached JLN Stadium in 10 minutes from CST station," she says as volunteers ask her to give the counterfoil from her ticket.
All CWG ticket holders were entitled for a free journey on the Metro today. Volunteers were in big numbers at the CST, JLN Stadium and Jangpura stations to regulate the crowd and help passengers.
Though there was no figures available immediately, it is estimated that at least 30,000 people would have taken the Metro from 8am till late afternoon.
Ravindran, a former government servant, said he felt very comfortable on the Metro travelling to the stadium. "It would have been very difficult for spectators if the Metro had not started services today. It helped a number of people to travel comfortably," he said.
The line was a big relief for volunteers and others associated with the Games to reach the JLN Stadium. A volunteer said till yesterday, he was spending Rs100 everyday on auto to travel from home to the stadium and back.
"From today till the end of the Games, I don't have to spend much. Metro is there," he said.
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