After being closed since March 22 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Delhi Metro has received the go-ahead from the government to resume services from September 7 in a “calibrated” manner. In recent months, DMRC had trained its staff on complying with COVID-19 safety regulations and also on ways to make travel safer for travelers. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for safe operations of Metro services will be issued in the coming days after a meeting between officials from the Department of Transportation and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
While the decision comes as a great relief to commuters, traveling on subway trains during the Covid-19 pandemic will no longer be the same.
Here are 10 things to know about subway travel after the coronavirus lockdown
No tokens, just smart cards
Tokens will not be issued to passengers due to the high risk of spreading the virus. To promote greater electronic transaction, the Delhi Metro recently launched a new facility that will allow passengers to automatically recharge their smart cards at Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. This new smart card is available to customers through the ‘Autope’ app. Older smart cards can also be upgraded to take advantage of this feature.
Station list
A list of stations where travel services are being restored is being prepared and will be made public soon, he said.
Train stop time
The stopping time of trains at stations will increase to ensure social distancing between commuters while getting on and off trains.
Thermal scanning and testing
All passengers arriving at the metro stations will be thermally examined by CISF staff and only those with normal temperature and a mask will be allowed to enter. Security officers will use modified portable metal detectors to monitor passengers from a distance.
Elevators and escalators
Only three people will be allowed in an elevator at a time and travelers will be required to maintain a one-step space on escalators.
AC inside trains
It won’t be cold inside the trains anymore. The air conditioners inside the trains will be set to 26 degrees Celsius so that there is a constant flow of fresh air in the train.
Mandatory masks
The use of masks will be mandatory and the rules of social distancing will be followed according to government guidelines.
Number of passengers
The number of passengers on a train will be limited to 300-350. Only alternative seats will be used.
Social distancing on trains, platforms
The use of masks will be mandatory inside the stations and during the journey. Hand sanitizers will be placed at the stations. Trains will be disinfected after regular intervals.
Penalty fee
Traveling without a mask, sitting in seats that must be left empty, spitting, can result in heavy fines.
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