New Delhi, June 8 (IANS): Delhi Metro on Monday began operations on the ITO-Mandi House section.

The service in the underground stretch -- that is part of the 9.37-km Central Secretariat-Kashmere Gate line -- was flagged off from ITO station by union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"I request everyone to use public transport and Metro services since it is an answer to the growing traffic congestion and pollution," Naidu said.

Kejriwal said his government would do everything to expand the Delhi Metro network.

"I have always requested Delhi Metro's managing director Mangu Singh to increase the number and frequency of the coaches," the chief minister said.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai was also present on the occasion.

Trial runs between the two stations started on December 18, 2014 and finishing work of the station was completed in February this year.

Delhi Metro said approximately 22,000 passengers are expected to use the ITO station every day by 2016.

The number is likely to cross the 31,000-mark in 2021.

"This is expected to increase revenue of Delhi Metro from passenger fare by about Rs.8 crore per annum," it said.

Work on this stretch was started in April 2012.

The service was flagged off after receiving clearance from the commissioner for Metro rail safety.