Delhi metro preps for resumption of services, social distancing norms being worked out

The Delhi Metro has started preparations for the resumption of train services and protocol for social distancing is being worked upon although the date of opening is not been finalised, the DMRC said on Wednesday.

Metro services in the national capital were suspended on March 25 as the nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus began. The lockdown has since been extended twice and the curring phase is due to end on May 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday indicated extension of the lockdown, but some more relaxations are likely to be given.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is working out the detailed cleaning and maintenance procedures before the service is resumed.

"The exercise will be extremely exhaustive as it involves cleaning & maintenance of 264 stations over 2200 coaches and over 1100escalators and 1000 lifts etc," the DMRC said in a statement.

Apart from this, the protocol for social distancing etc. are being worked upon in our trains and premises, it added.

"The date of the opening of the Delhi Metro has still not been finalised and will be notified to the public in due course. All systems of the metro including the signalling, electrical, rolling stock, tracks etc will have to be tested in detail before services are ultimately started to ensure full safety for our commuters," DMRC Executive Director Anuj Dayal said in a statement.

Cold water high-pressure jet, battery-operated walk-behind automatic scrubber dryer, automated vacuum cleaner, steam cleaner, automatic escalator cleaners are being used extensively for cleaning purpose, the corporation said.

This comes Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday sought suggestion from people as to which sector should be given ease in lockdown after the end of phase three.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Tuesday mounted to 7,639 while the death toll reached 86.