The start of the admission season 2013 at Delhi University has driven home at least one point — that the Delhi Metro has proved to be the knight in shining armour for prospective students.
The major concern among students, especially girls, and their parents regarding the commute and security issues has been put to rest due to the metro’s presence. While commuting woes of local students have already been addressed by the Delhi Metro, even outstation students find its presence very reassuring.
Despite minor issues pertaining to overcrowding in the coaches, the confusion regarding various lines and the occasional long queues, the metro remains a major factor for a large number of students from other States such as Haryana, West Bengal and the North-East in opting to study in DU .
“The metro being cheaper and safe, having air-conditioners and best of all connecting places all over Delhi has helped the outstation students opt for higher studies at DU,” said Nagaland resident Matsi Jemu while filling out his form in the shade of the Arts Faculty garden with his friends.
Matsi conceded that the metro’s connectivity was a factor in him leaving his hometown and coming all the way to Delhi. “I am looking out for English (Honours) at Kirori Mal College and have already found a place to stay with my friends in Delhi. Due to the metro, I am not too concerned about travel in the city.”
MCA applicant Aryan Kashyap, a Kolkata resident, who was sitting under a tree in the Arts Faculty canteen area in the North Campus too noted that the metro had made travel easier for DU students. “My family has also shifted to Delhi and I will be travelling by the metro. So my main concern is to get into a premium college. Otherwise I will opt for a course of my choice at a private or government college.”
Sitting in the Arts Faculty ground, Nidhi Gahlawat from Sonepat in Haryana said she was aspiring to get either B. Com (Honours) or Economics (Honours). She said it was due to the metro here that her parents had agreed to send to DU.
“It is much safer to travel by the metro and it also takes care of the connectivity issue.”
