Metro coaches temp fixed at 24-30ºC: HMRL

Strict Covid-19 control measures will be in place at every Metro Rail station as well in the trains with Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited set to restart operations from Monday, HMRL managing director N.V.S. Reddy said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters here, Reddy said the services will start in a staggered manner from September 7 and, for the first two days, be limited to 7 am to noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm. From September 9, full services in all three corridors will be available, he said.

It was decided to run trains every five minutes but the frequency can either be increased or decreased depending on the passenger traffic and based on the need to avoid overcrowding, he said.

Reddy said air intake into the coaches will be increased to 75 per cent and the inside temperatures will be maintained between 24º and 30º Celsius depending on the weather. Everyone will be expected to follow physical distancing measures and the required markings have been put in place in the stations and in the trains. “We will also be monitoring the movement of people through our CCTV cameras,” he said.

Reddy assured that every station and train will be sanitised every day and passengers should get their tickets either online or use smart cards for travel. Masks will be mandatory and anyone who does not have one, can purchase one at the stations, he said.

Thermal screening will also be mandatory and anyone found to be a suspect in terms of health, will be referred to the nearest Covid-19 testing centre for check ups and follow ups, he said.