Since the end of March, Delhites have been missing out on various little things which used to be a major part of their daily routines. From delicious street food to those sweet-unsweet metro rides, we have missed it all for quite some time now.
But Delhites have been elated ever since the Ministry of Home Affairs issued Unlock 4 guidelines permitting metro operations from September 7.
Travelling in public transport amidst COVID-19 is definitely worrying but officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have asserted that Delhi Metro is all set to provide a safe and sound commute experience for travellers.
So, are we going to experience the normal commutes that we used to do until the end of March 2020?
The answer is definitely a NO. The Delhi Metro is going to start its operations in a graded manner with new norms, in order to provide the commuters with a safe journey.
Major changes in the metro rides
No tokens
When the metro services resume from September 7, the commuters will be allowed to commute using smart cards only. No tokens will be issued to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus. All stations will have the facility of purchasing smart cards.
Read Also: This Is Why Commuters Are Fined For Sitting On The Floor Of Delhi Metro
Trains will halt on stations for longer than pre-COVID times
According to reports, a DMRC official informed that usually, metro trains halt for a period of 10 seconds or 30 seconds depending upon the traffic and nature of the station. But now, the trains will halt for a longer duration.
Restrictions on the number of people in lifts
During the pre-COVID times, around 8-9 people were allowed in a lift at a time. But once the metro services resume from September 7, only 2-3 people will be allowed in a lift at a time.
Masks and social distancing norms
People without masks will not be allowed to enter the metro premises. According to DMRC officials, wearing masks and following social distancing norms in metro premises and train coaches would be mandatory.
Limit on the number of commuters in a train
Delhi Metro trains have a capacity of accommodating around 50 people on seats and an aggregate of 300 people in a single coach. But with the social distancing norms that are already in place, these numbers are expected to be reduced drastically.
Detailed cleaning and maintenance protocols
Reports suggest that the DMRC’s housekeeping staff will be sanitizing elevator buttons, escalator handrails every four hours. All metro trains and stations would be thoroughly sanitized at night.
Other than these changes, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is expected to release a detailed SOP on metros in a few days. This SOP will clarify things even better.
So, Delhites who are planning to commute via metro in the next few days should buckle up and accept the new normal.
Image Credits: Google Images, Twitter
Sources: Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Times of India
Find the blogger: @RitikaaNijhawan
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