Metro set to run in city from Sept. 7
The state government on Tuesday accorded permission to resume Metro Rail operations in the city from September 7 in a graded manner. The Centre has allowed Metro Rail operations as part of Unlock 4.0.
Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd authorities assured that care will be taken to ensure proper sanitisation of the trains and premises, and maintaining of physical distancing. They said HMRL would provide ventilation, pump fresh air into trains and enhance AC mechanisms.
The Covid-19 protocols to be followed would be decided in a couple of days after receiving approval from the Centre.
HMRL MD N.V.S. Reddy said the MDs of all Indian Metro Rail operators had a videoconference on Tuesday with urban affairs secretary Durga Shanker Mishra to draft safety protocols.
The protocols will be decided in a day or two by the urban affairs ministry with the approval of the home ministry.
With a less than week left for Metro Rail operations, the HMRL is yet to complete repairs on the JBS-MGBS corridor.
The authorities after allowing time to slip away during the lockdown have now begun repair works. Metro Rail stations including Musheerabad wore a shoddy look and the authorities have damaged pavements in the name of plantations.
PTI reported from New Delhi that urban affairs secretary Mishra said: “We heard suggestions of metro managing directors, which will be considered. A draft of standard operating procedures has been prepared and it will be discussed with the Union home ministry on Wednesday. In consultation with the home ministry, the SOPs will be finalised.”
Officials said that wearing a mask and physical distancing norms will be strictly followed once Metro Rail trains start operating. Passengers will be encouraged to follow antiCovid-19 measures, they said, adding fines will be imposed on those violating the guidelines.
There are 17 Metro Rail corporations in the country. Once the detailed SOPs are issued by the urban affairs ministry, they can issue their details keeping in mind local requirements, the officials said.
The Union home ministry had issued the Unlock 4 guidelines on Saturday under which Metro Rail trains would be allowed to resume services from September 7.
Last week, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had said that it would resume services for the public from September 7 in a calibrated manner.
OFFICIALS SAID that wearing a mask and physical distancing norms will be strictly followed once Metro Rail trains start operating. Passengers will be encouraged to follow anti-Covid-19 measures, they said, adding fines will be imposed on those violating the guidelines.