DMRC assures safe travel to commuters once metro services resume

New Delhi: As the Delhi metro is set to start its operations on September 7, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has assured that it would make all kinds of efforts to provide safe commuting experience to travellers. 

“Once the metro operations will commence on September 7, the DMRC will strive to facilitate all necessary measures and precautions on its premises to provide a safe travelling experience to its commuters amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” Executive Director, Corporate Communications, DMRC, Anuj Dayal was quoted as saying in a statement.

Earlier, the Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official notification on Unlock 4. It read, “Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from September 7 in a graded manner. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Railways will oversee the reopening of metro services in consultation with the MHA.”

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, “The token system will be completely shut because it can increase the coronavirus spread. It won’t be possible to sanitise the token every time. People will be allowed to only use smart cards and other recharge mediums.”

All stations will not be opened immediately after resuming of operations. Stations falling in containment zones may not open. The list for the same will be prepared and people will be informed about it.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) said that the SOPs will be discussed with all metro companies through video conferencing on September 1. 

Moreover, trains will not stop at all the stations as there are plans to open the stations in phases. At all the operating stations, all the safety measures like social distancing and thermal scanning will be followed. Hand sanitiser will also be given to the passengers.

Wearing masks will be mandatory for passengers in Delhi metro. There will be a limit to the number of passengers in lift. The halting time of trains will be increased at the stations to allow people enough space while boarding. New smart cards with auto top-up facility and stickers on social distancing norms will be pasted on seats and platform floors.