After nearly six months of suspension due to the nationwide lockdown imposed in the last week of March to contain the spread of covid-19, the state will finally resume the services following the guidelines issued.
The news of resumption of metro has been shared by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal through a tweet. He tweeted," Helping students in time of need, Kolkata Metro to run special services for NEET aspirants & their parents on 13th September.
In fact, the Kolkata Metro Railway will operate special services for NEET aspirants and their parents on 13 September.
As per the business daily Mint, this service will be especially provided for medical entrance examinees and their guardians. However, examinees will have to show NEET admit cards at the gates of Metro stations.
Things to watch out
Enhancing convenience for general passengers, Metro Services will resume in a graded manner from 14th September between 8am to 8pm.
Mandatory Masks: It is mandatory to wear masks covering their face and nose and sanitise their hands from sanitiser dispensers placed at each platform before boarding a train.
Smart Card: You need to carry smart cards for travel because tokens will not be allowed and also download the Aarogya Setu App on phones. Entry to metro stations will be allowed only through verification of the e-pass by state police, while RPF personnel at stations will maintain close coordination with the state police, it said.
Thermal Screening: Passengers will have to get their body temperature checked through thermal screening at the time of entering a Metro station. You will be allowed to designated gates for entry and exit.
Number of passengers: The Metro authorities will allow a maximum 400 passengers in a train at a time. In order to ensure this the authorities will issue a colour-coded e-passes to the commuters through a link in their mobile phones to keep a check on the number. Also note that stoppage time will be increased to 30 seconds from the present 20 seconds to avoid rush.
Booking tickets: You should be able to book the journey slot with one hour duration by visiting URL pathadisha.com/metro. Once booked you will get e-pass on the phone with information of time slot, passenger name, originating and destination stations.
Lift protocol: Remember only three passengers will be allowed to take the lift service at stations at a time. Also note that you should not occupy the seats in the coaches which are marked X.
Most importantly, to ensure cleaning and sanitisation services, Metro services will not be operated on Sundays. Also, note that passengers with symptoms of fever, cough or cold should not travel on its trains. Besides elders and children are also advised against travelling by a Metro train. Those passengers who are caught spitting at stations will be penalised.