New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot visited Rajiv Chowk metro station on Sunday to take stock of the preparations made by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Delhi Transport Department for the resumption of metro services in the National Capital from September 7.
He was accompanied by senior officials of DMRC and Delhi Transport Department during the inspection.
Following the inspection, Mr Gahlot said, "I am glad that metro services are finally resuming in the city tomorrow. I personally inspected the station and am satisfied with the arrangements in place. I'm happy to note that Rajiv Chowk, despite being one of the busiest stations, has ensured that all precautions are in place as per the SOP."
"We are also deploying Civil Defence volunteers for crowd management, inside and outside the stations. I appeal to all Delhi metro users to follow social distancing at Metro stations. I am assured that if both management and Delhiites responsibly follow the protocols in place, we will be able to set another benchmark in 'Delhi model' of fighting Covid-19," he said.
The Metro operations in Delhi will resume in a phased manner, with staggered timings from September 7, but will be fully operational by September 12.
Given the situation due to the COVID pandemic, the Delhi Transport department is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safe journey of commuters in the Delhi Metro.
The Delhi Transport Department has provided Civil Volunteers and Enforcement Teams to be deployed at metro stations to manage crowds, ensure social distancing, and guide the travelers.
Suitable markings at stations and inside the trains have also been done to ensure Social Distancing. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to travel after thermal screening.
An automatic sanitizer dispenser machine has also been made available at every entry point for use by the passengers.
For the time being, no tokens will be issued to passengers due to a high risk of spreading the virus. Use of Smart Cards, online/cashless transactions is mandatory and use of the Arogya Setu App would be encouraged.
The Delhi Metro has come up with an ingenious way to avoid hand contact with the elevator buttons by providing a foot-operated lift mechanism. They have also made a proper announcement system to regularly inform the commuters about safety measures.
Even the coaches in metro trains have instructions on its wall about all the protocols to be followed while traveling. Currently, only one gate for entry and exit has been allowed and signboards are installed at every important point to guide the passengers.
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