Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot inspects a metro train at Rajiv Chowk Station (ANI)
NEW DELHI: Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot inspected the Rajiv Chowk metro station on Sunday, a day before the resumption of metro train services in the national capital, and expressed his satisfaction with the security measures taken against Covid-19.
He said that if both the Delhi Metro Management and individuals responsibly follow existing protocols, safe train operations will set another benchmark in the ‘Delhi model’ of fighting Covid-19.
Gahlot visited Rajiv Chowk metro station to take stock of the preparations made by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Department of Transportation for the resumption of metro services from 7 September. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Transportation and the DMRC.
“I’m glad that metro services in the city will resume tomorrow. I inspected the station and am satisfied with the arrangements in place,” he said after the inspection.
Rajiv Chowk, despite being one of the busiest stations, has ensured that all precautions are taken according to standard operating procedures, the minister said.
“I appeal to all users of the Delhi metro to follow social distancing in stations and inside the carriages. I am sure that if both the management and the inhabitants of Delhi responsibly follow the established protocols, We will be able to set another benchmark for the Delhi model of fighting Covid. ”
After being closed for more than five months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Delhi metro services It will resume in three stages from September 7-12, but stations located in containment zones will remain closed.
Train services will begin with the appropriate frequency as they were prior to March 22, which can be increased or decreased as required. However, because trains stop longer at stations, there will be a small increase in the time required for a trip.
Also, due to the threat of infection, the tokens will not be available for transport and only smart cards will be allowed.
The Delhi Department of Transport has provided civil defense volunteers and enforcement teams to be deployed to metro stations to manage crowds, ensure social distancing and guide commuters.
Adequate signs have also been made in stations and inside trains to guarantee social distancing. Only asymptomatic people could travel after the thermal evaluation, authorities said.
An automatic disinfectant dispensing machine has also been made available at each entry point for passengers.
The Delhi Metro has devised an ingenious way to avoid hand contact with elevator buttons by providing a foot-operated lifting mechanism. They have also created a proper announcement system to regularly inform travelers about security measures.
Even the coaches of the subway trains have instructions on their wall about all the protocols to follow during the trip. Currently, only one entrance and exit door has been allowed and signs have been installed at each important point to guide passengers, an official said.
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