New Delhi:
Metro train services were disrupted today for about an hour due to power failure caused by the storm during the evening rush time, inconveniencing thousands of commuters.
"Metro services were disrupted due to failure/erratic power supply from Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) to Delhi Metro's receiving sub stations (RSS) across the network, which in turn feed power to Metro system for running the trains and stations," said Anuj Dayal, DMRC Executive Director (Corporate Communications).
At some locations including Janakpuri and Inderlok material like tin sheet and pipes got entangled into the OHE (Overhead Electrification Wire) due to the dust storm, making train movement impossible.
Passengers were stranded at various metro stations and were even asked to de-board the trains at various locations until normal power supply was resumed.
The train services, however, resumed from 6 pm onward after resumption of power supply from DTL and clearance of all material from the OHE wire by DMRC engineers.
However, even after normal services were restored, it took a lot of time to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Long queues were seen at metro stations.
"I was waiting at Janakpuri metro station for more than an hour. Even after metro services were restored, I could not get into the first two trains as they were jam-packed," said Kriti Mistry, a student.