Delhi Metro Ready To Operate Once Lockdown Ends; DMRC Says, 'All Preparations Complete'

An official from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation stated that DMRC is fully prepared with all precautions to restart the train services post lockdown.

DMRC is fully prepared with all precautions to restart the train services post lockdown. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: Going by the Central Government's order released last week, India in it's third phase of the lockdown will enjoy certain relaxations. According to the mandate, districts under orange and green zones reporting minimal coronavirus cases, are being given ease in restrictions in terms of carrying out certain economic activities. However, train, bus, air travel continues to be shut irrespective of the zones across India. Witnessing the relatively flat curve of COVID-19 cases, it is expected that after May 17, the means of transport may be resumed for the daily commuters. The Delhi Metro, which has been stalled for more than a month due to the continued fear of Corona virus infection, is also expected to restart soon. An official from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation stated that DMRC is fully prepared with all precautions to restart the train services post lockdown. As soon as the government releases the order to restart transport, metro trains will start running for common people. Speaking of the preparations, the official further stated that DMRC staff is ready whenever the Delhi Metro operation will start. There will be no problems in starting metro operations. Despite the long continued lockdown, trains were being operated in between. The preparation of DMRC can be gauged from the fact that 264 stations and 14 depots of Delhi Metro have been prepared in such a way that trains can be started as soon as the approval is given. Officials added that during the lockdown, metro train services were restricted for people, however DMRC made no compromise with the maintenance of trains. Delhi Metro has made 3500 rounds during the lockdown to keep up the working conditions of trains. While there is no information on when the transport operations will resume, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal meanwhile urged citizens to ensure that they follow necessary preventive measures which include three things - wearing a mask, ensuring social distancing and washing/sanitizing hands.