The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced on Wednesday the guidelines for metro operations, which will resume from September 7 throughout the country in a phased manner. There are 17 metro corporations in the country. With the issuance of the detailed SOPs, they can now publish their own details with local requirements in mind.
The Interior Ministry (MHA) issued on Saturday the Unblocking 4 guidelines according to which metro trains could resume their services from 7 September.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that Metro services will resume in a phased manner from September 7 and that passengers will have to follow preventive measures against COVID-19, such as maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask. In an online press conference, the Union’s minister of urban affairs and housing said that all Metro lines will be operational on September 12.
The following are the guidelines:
1. Subways that have more than one line must open different lines from September 7 onwards in a staggered manner so that all corridors are operational by September 12. Daily hours of operation may be staggered initially, which should be gradually increased with the resumption of full revenue service before September 12. The frequency of the trains will be regulated to avoid the agglomeration of passengers in the stations and on the trains.
2. Stations and entry and exit gates in containment zones to be closed.
3. To ensure social distancing, adequate signage must be made at stations and inside trains.
4. The use of a face mask will be mandatory for all passengers and staff. Metro rail corporations can arrange for the supply of masks for payment to those arriving without a mask.
5. Only asymptomatic people will be allowed to travel after a thermal screen at the entrance to the stations. Symptomatic individuals should be advised to go to the nearby COVID Care Center / Hospital for testing or medical care. The use of the Aarogya Setu app should be encouraged.
6. Provision of disinfectants to be made at the entrance to the stations for use by passengers. Sanitation of all areas that have human interface viz. equipment, train, work area, elevator, escalator, handrail, AFC door, restrooms, etc. they should be done at regular intervals.
7. The use of smart cards and cashless / online transactions will be encouraged. Tokens and paper slips / tickets to use with proper disinfection.
8. An adequate time spent at the stations will be provided to allow a smooth boarding / disembarkation, ensuring social distancing. Metro rail corporations may also resort to skipping stations to ensure adequate social distancing.
9. Passengers should be advised to travel with a minimum of luggage and to avoid carrying metal items for quick and easy scanning.
10. Operation of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system according to the guidelines of the Central Department of Public Works (CPWD) and the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE). The intake of fresh air into the air conditioning system will be increased as much as possible.
11. Information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to be launched for passengers and staff through electronic / print / social media, posters, banners, billboards, websites, etc.
12. Metro rail corporations must maintain close liaison with state police and local administration to regulate crowds outside the station and deal with contingencies.
The head of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Mangu Singh, said that the yellow line from Samaypur Badli to the city center of Huda will be operational from September 7 and that services on the Airport Express line will resume from September 12. He said that in the first stage, the Delhi metro services will operate in two shifts – 7-11 am and 4-8 pm.
In the second stage, trains will be available from 7 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm, he said, adding that normal operations will resume from September 12.
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