Thermal scanners, social distancing stickers in coaches, platform areas
NEW DELHI: From thermal scanners to test the temperature of commuters to stickers on social distancing norms pasted on seats and platform floors, the Delhi Metro is preparing to handle commuters as per safety guidelines, whenever the services are ordered to be resumed.
On regular days, the average daily ridership of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is over 26 lakh. While there are no clear indications as to when the services might be resumed, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on Friday the government is ready to resume the public transport services in the city, with safety precautions in place for COVID-19, if the Centre allows it.
Delhi Metro authorities have been working on protocols to ensure social distancing norms are in place whenever the commuters return.
Red lines have been drawn at regular intervals next to AFC gates and security checking gates, just before commuters enter near the platform areas.
On platform floors, large stickers bearing ‘Ensure Social Distancing’ message have been pasted at regular intervals, with a white circle bordered by an outer red circle to alert the commuters. Sources said thermal scanners will be used to screen commuters before they proceed further.
The DMRC authorities, however, remain tight-lipped on whether keeping the Aarogya Setu app will be mandatory for travelling in the metro whenever the services are resumed.
“The decision to resume metro rail services in DelhiNCR will be taken by the government after which the detailed protocol to be followed by passengers for travelling in the metro will be shared with the media and the public,” the DMRC said in a statement.
At present, the DMRC is taking up the necessary cleaning mechanisms inside the trains and indoor areas of stations such as entrance lobbies, corridors, staircases, escalators, elevators, security area etc, it said.
“Other necessary logistical arrangements such as provision for hand sanitisation, thermal screening at stations and installation of social distancing related signages are also being handled in the interim,” the statement said.
The DMRC authorities have been working on protocols for social distancing and other safety norms for passengers for using trains and station premises in the last few days.