Amid the surge in Covid-19 cases reported recently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has decided to intensify its drive to reinforce the measures in order to guarantee social distancing in addition to wearing face masks inside metro trains and stations. In response to an announcement issued by Delhi Metro, it’s necessary for all commuters to enter the metro station after hand sanitization, thermal screening, face covered with a mask properly, and observing social distancing in Metro premises all through their journey as per the existing Covid Safety Protocol. As a part of the intensified steps for containing novel coronavirus spread, entry at Delhi Metro stations might be regulated based on the social distancing, especially at main metro stations like Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Barakhamba Road, Patel Chowk, ITO, etc., during morning and evening peak hours.
Whereas waiting in the queue at metro stations, commuters will be required to wait on the marked social distancing circles/stripes. Whether it is found that the distancing is not observed at Delhi Metro stations, entry gates will be closed for commuters at those metro stations till the distancing is ensured by passengers. In order to ensure that the Covid protocol is adhered to by the passengers strictly, inside the Delhi Metro trains, the number of flying squads as well as the frequency of checking drives is being increased and offenders will be penalized on the spot. Due to the strict reinforcement of the social distancing guidelines, commuters are advised to plan their metro rail journey in advance and allow for additional time of 20 to 30 minutes for their commute. Those who have the flexibility to avoid overcrowding or long wait during peak hours may opt to travel throughout off-peak hours.
The DMRC is also writing to the district administration in order to facilitate necessary help in ensuring social distancing as well as observing the law and order outside Delhi Metro stations as there might be a spike in commuters waiting outside the metro stations while waiting for their flip to enter stations in line with social distancing norms. Also, Delhi Metro officials posted at stations have been directed to intensify their inspection as well as ensure that all the travel protocols are strictly complied with by both the DMRC staff and the traveling public.
