On debut run, Lucknow metro passengers use station wall as spittoon
On Day 1 of Lucknow Metro’s commercial run, people found space to spit paan masala/ gutkha and defaced a portion of a wall at Alambagh Metro station.
But Mahendra Kumar, director rolling stock, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC), said Lucknowites responded to the Metro positively. “Barring one or two incidents where passengers had to be told about the importance of cleanliness inside and outside metro stations, things went off well,” he added.
When HT showed him pictures of the defaced wall in front of the Metro station, Kumar immediately ordered removal of the stains. He also asked officials to strengthen the CCTV network inside and outside metro stations so that no one is able to deface Metro property.
He said, “Lucknowites have tried to adapt to Metro in a better way — how to board the train, how to use escalators and how to use the lift. I saw people cooperating with authorities. One or two people were told to take gutkha packets out of their pockets. They followed instructions and were allowed to board the train.”
“Efforts are on to ensure and retain world-class cleanliness standards at Metro stations and surroundings. The LMRC has decided to improve cleaning of stations as part of its mission to provide a clean and efficient mass transit system for citizens,” he emphasised.
“LMRC is training its staff to ensure sanitisation of stations. But if passengers misbehave or try to deface/spread filth despite our warning, then we have our security to deal with them. Besides, there is a provision of penalties for such passengers,” he added.
There will be mechanised cleaning at stations. Electrically operated scrubber drier and back pack vacuum cleaners among others have been provided for dust-free sweeping and cleaning operations.
The LMRC also plans to create awareness among people to keep the Metro clean.
Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday took charge of the defence ministry, becoming the first full-time woman defence minister of the country.
She took charge in the presence of her predecessor Arun Jaitley, who was given the additional charge of the key ministry in March after Manohar Parrikar quit the Union cabinet to become the chief minister of Goa.
Sitharaman was elevated to the cabinet rank on Sunday and given the defence portfolio.
A priest held prayers in the defence minister’s chamber before she assumed charge.
Senior officials of the ministry were present and she briefly interacted with them after taking over as the minister.
On Sunday, Sitharaman will travel to Goa to flag off the allwomen sailing expedition.
She will be accompanied by navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.
Sitharaman became the first full-time woman defence minister and the second woman to take charge of the key portfolio. Indira Gandhi, as then prime minister, had also held the portfolio in the seventies.
As the defence minister, Sitharaman will be a member of the crucial cabinet committee on security whose members include the Prime Minister, the home minister, the external affairs minister and the finance minister.
Defence expert VK Chaturvedi said Sitharaman will have to take steps to keep the morale of the armed forces high and ensure speedy military modernisation so that the country can effectively deal with various challenges.
“It is a very good move. She comes with fresh ideas and I am confident she will justify her appointment to the post,” Chaturvedi added.
Defence experts also feel that the frequency of incidents of incursions by the Chinese Army may go up in the coming months and years after the Dokalam face-off, and Sitharaman may face a challenge in handling such complex issues.
It is a very good move. She comes with fresh ideas and I am confident she will justify her appointment to the post.