Commuters gear up for Metro ride after long gap
Post-lockdown, commuting in the city has been a challenge for many
● DR ASHISH Chauhan, a consultant physician, cautioned that anyone planning to travel in the metro should always wear a proper mask throughout the journey as well as while at the stations. Hand sanitisers are a must as staying at least six feet away from the nearest person.
With metro rail services set to resume from September 7, regular commuters say they are looking forward to start using the metro again.
During the lockdowns and the post-lockdown periods, commuting in the city has been a challenge for many, with RTC buses off the roads and metro services off the rails. Those dependent on public transport had to resort to cabs or autorickshaws, both expensive nightmares.
Hyderabad’s metro rail services with the red, green and blue lines, crisscross the city and before the lockdown, used to transport nearly three lakh people a day.
Asked about the safety measures that will be put in place, Hyderabad metro rail limited’s managing director, N.V.S. Reddy said “Detailed precautions and practices to be followed by commuters and staff will be issued soon after discussions with experts.”
Meanwhile, Dr Ashish Chauhan, a consultant physician, cautioned that anyone planning to travel in the metro train should always wear a proper mask throughout the journey as well as while at the stations. Hand sanitisers are a must as staying at least six feet away from the nearest person, the doctor said.
“Since the trains are fully air-conditioned, the re-cycled air could be risky. It will be better if they adopt an open window and free flow of air policy in the coaches during this pandemic.”
Bellamkonda Giridhar, a programme executive with a television channel, says “he lives in Nagole and travels every day to his office in Banjara Hills. Right now, I am spending a lot of money on cabs. I am looking forward to the metro re-starting. I was happy when the news of services being re-started was announced.”
On Covid-19 safety measures in the metro rail, he said “The metro has extended world class service all these days. I am sure they will come out with adequate safety plans.”