How Delhi Metro changed the face of the capital (watch pics)

New Delhi: Remember the times when we used to board the overcrowded ‘Mudrika' DTC buses to travel across Delhi?But now traveling in Delhi is much easier and comfortable, with the advent of Delhi Metro. From the days of DTC buses to Delhi Metro, the national capital has come a long way. It has witnessed tremendous changes in terms of infrastructure, public facilities, and almost the entire look of the capital.Here's a peek into the transformation of Delhi: 1. The Delhi Metro has helped to remove 1.7 lakh vehicles from the streets of Delhi in 2011, according to a study by Central Road Research Institute. 2. It has led to a large network connecting the major areas in Delhi and now even NCR. 3. Metro had a direct influence on the real estate business. The areas with close proximity to metro stations are sold at a higher rate. In fact nowadays, lucrative projects are based upon proximity to metro. Areas within 1km of Metro have the biggest appreciations in property values.Particularly, localities comprising ‘Blue line' and ‘violet line' have benefitted the most from construction of Metro. 4. The main aim of Metro was to reduce the number of cars plying the roads every day in Delhi – and so it does. Less cars = less smog = less pollution and cleaner air.Its regenerative braking systems save the country 400, 000 carbon credits a year and now they're looking to reduce the metro's reliance on non-renewable energy resources even further by using solar power. 5. Traveling in overcrowded DTC buses was an ordeal for women. Many cases of sexual harassment, eve teasing were reported. With the Metro, women heaved a sigh of relief as the ladies coach and high security at the metro stations have made public traveling for women safe. 6. More shopping malls have cropped up, especially near Metro stations. Shopping mall projects are thriving in localities closer to Metro stations giving a boom to retail and tourism industry. 7. Public amenities have increased. For example, Metro feeder buses, ATMs, convenient mobile recharge shops at every Metro station, kiosks. 8. The trains are pretty impressive too, equipped with noise absorbing cushions, vibration free coaches and with climate control facilities to regulate both temperature and humidity.