Delhi Metro plans to resume train services with some extra measures

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The lifeline of Delhi-NCR, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is now planning to resume metro services that are halted owing to countrywide lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak since March 25, 2020. DMRC has proposed some extra measures in view of passenger safety and security from COVID-19. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which provides security services to the entire Delhi Metro Rail Network, has formulated a 'business continuity plan' for security and safety of passengers and security personnel deployed at the facility. The following safety measures have been proposed to ensure public confidence in the ability of the metro rail network to deliver under any circumstance and to provide hasslefree metro services in the national capital region:

• The metro services on the entire Delhi Metro rail network will be resumed in a phased manner with the deployment of about 12,000 security personnel to guard over 160 metro stations.
• Aarogya Setu app with an inbuilt e-pass feature could be employed for the identification of suspected persons (having COVID-19 infection).
• Passengers with high risks for both spreading as well as contracting infections should be discouraged from using the metro.
• Passengers entering metro premises will be mandatorily wearing masks. Hand sanitization or washing facilities will be provided at each entry point. The entire station area will be sanitized with chemicals and security fixtures, equipment and x-ray tables should be sanitized every 30 minutes.
• Thermal screening of all entrants to be conducted at the entry point of stations and those found with abnormal temperatures will not be allowed to enter and persons with cold, cough and other flu-like symptoms will be denied entry.
• All passengers will have to take out metallic items like belts and buckles before frisking and keep them in their bags which will be scanned by an x-ray machine. Those without bags but carrying metallic items will be provided trays in line with airport security.
• Strict distancing norms will be followed throughout the station area and proper queuing area before the security screening point will be maintained.
• At least two meters distance shall be maintained between the security screening place and line-up points and a meter between passengers waiting at the security screening place.
• The CISF will keep at least two personal protective equipment (PPE) suits at all metro stations to handle a suspected passenger or baggage. Four PPE suits will be kept as standby. CISF personnel will wear regular uniforms with sleeves fully covered, gloves along with masks covering nose and mouth.
• Friskers and x-ray baggage screeners should additionally wear face shield or visor to protect their face especially eyes from exposure.
• Passengers shall be advised through regular announcements to maintain social distancing. Shops and other commercial establishments to ensure social distancing at their locations by means of markings.
• Passengers will be advised regularly to refrain from touching any surface inside the metro stations or trains.

The above safety measures shall be strictly adhered by DMRC and CISF, once the authority gets approval to resume the metro services.