Metro film to educate commuters about use of emergency button

A film on a family of five and their maiden trip on the Metro, complete with the “first-timer” capers has become a big draw for commuters at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate Metro stations. The “family” represents the commuters who are yet to comprehend the use of the emergency buttons inside Metro coaches.

To create awareness among such commuters, most of whom still look for “chains” to bring the trains to a halt in case of an emergency; the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has produced a minute long film featuring a family’s dilemma when their child gets left behind at a Metro station.

“From the feedback that we received from commuters, it was evident that a large number of them were unsure of how the emergency buttons function. Most did not understand how to use the emergency service and some kept looking for the “emergency chain” that is used in trains,” said a DMRC official.

The film, which is a little over one minute, revolves around a family whose little daughter is left behind at the station, even as the rest of them are onboard. “We have used the film to show how the emergency service inside the coach can be used in such emergencies and how the DMRC can help,” the official said.

The Delhi Metro has recently released three films to spread awareness about the use of emergency call buttons inside the trains and the penalties that can be imposed on commuters for offences such as squatting and crossing of Metro tracks.

“These films of little over one minute duration are being screened currently on 50 screens at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate Metro stations. While two films focus on how to use the emergency buttons, one film is based on the penalties that can be imposed on commuters for offences like spitting, littering, making noise or behaving improperly,” said the official.

The films are part of DMRC’s endeavour to discipline commuters and focus on adhering to rules. “There are routine announcements in the coaches urging people to vacate seats reserved for ladies, disabled and the senior citizens. We also urge commuters not to squat on the floor of the train, or sit on the stairs. Playing music aloud can also invite a penalty and we constantly advise people not to do so. Hopefully, these films will take the messages forward and the commuters will become more disciplined,” the official said.