The government is likely to announce Wednesday the new set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to resume Metro services under Unlock 4 guidelines.
According to people familiar with the development, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs held a meeting with metro corporations to finalize the modus operandi. The guidelines are likely to be released today after approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This is what to expect
–Services to resume on September 7: Metro services are scheduled to resume “gradually” from September 7 in the fourth phase of Unblocking announced by the Interior Ministry on Saturday. Services will resume after nearly six months of being suspended due to restrictions in place to prevent the Covid-19 outbreak.
– Hardeep S Puri to announce SOP: The SOPs already circulated were discussed on Tuesday via VC by DS Mishra, Secretary, MOHUA with the CEOs of 15 metro corporations. The suggestions were considered at the meeting and as a result, the standard operating procedures are being finalized. MOHUA Minister Sh Hardeep S Puri will announce the standard operating procedures / guidelines in this regard on September 2, ”said ministry spokesman Rajeev Jain.
–Services may not resume at all stations: Corporations have been asked to prepare a list of stations where trains will begin operating in consultation with state governments.
–Wear masks, practice social distancing, or face fines: Travelers must strictly adhere to the guidelines on wearing masks and practicing social distancing rules. Passengers can be fined if they do not follow Covid-19 regulations, authorities said.
–No tokens, just subway cards: Those who choose to ride metro trains will no longer be able to use tokens. The Center has planned to implement a contactless ticketing system using only metro cards, once restrictions on public transportation are lifted, according to previous reports.
– Metro rail companies may have their own rules: Based on the condition of the virus in a particular area, metro rail corporations are free to impose their own restrictions, officials told HT previously.
–Few stops, mandatory thermal shielding: To prevent the coronavirus disease from spreading, there will likely be fewer stops and stations will open in a phased season. Passengers will undergo mandatory thermal screening, will have to wear face masks, practice social distancing and use the contactless ticketing system, etc., an official familiar with the development said.
–Queue marking: To ensure that metro stations are not crowded and that social distancing is respected, queues are likely to be marked at all stations. Also, there could be a check on the air conditioning system inside the trains to ensure fresh air supply.
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