Delhi Metro Gearing Up To Keep Passengers Safe Once Travel Resumes Post COVID-19 Lockdown
Updated: May 18, 2020 20:19 IST
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has recently announced that it is working out detailed social distancing, cleaning and maintenance procedures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and is gearing up for post lockdown once travel resumes. Anuj Dayal, Executive Director, DMRC said, 'The decision to resume Metro rail services in Delhi NCR will be taken by the government after which the detailed protocol to be followed by passengers for traveling in the Metro will be shared with the media and public. At present, DMRC is taking up the necessary cleaning mechanisms inside the trains and indoor areas of stations such as entrance lobbies, corridors, staircases, escalators, elevators, and security area.' Here is how the DMRC is working on providing safe commute to the passengers once metro services resume.
Delhi Metro authorities have trained their housekeeping and other staff and are conducting cleaning and maintenance of 264 stations, over 2,200 coaches, over 1,100 escalators and 1,000 lifts as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an official of DMRC, the organisation is devising ways for social distancing for metro passengers and metro staff is being trained to adhere to enhanced safety norms.
After services are resumed and when passengers start using metro trains and station premises once again, they will have to follow social distancing norms strictly. Signages are being placed to guide passengers to maintain physical distance while queuing at the check-in or waiting for trains.
All systems of the metro, including signalling, electrical, rolling stock and tracks are being tested to ensure full safety for commuters, said the official.
DMRC is also making other necessary logistical arrangements such as provision for hand sanitization, thermal screening at stations.
