The Delhi Metro resumed services on Monday after nearly a month-long hiatus due to the lockdown in the Capital. Till 8 p.m., over 4.5 lakh passengers travelled across the network, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Operations resumed with 50% seating capacity and commuters were not permitted to stand inside the coaches. Only 25 people were allowed inside each coach at any given time.
“The passenger journeys performed on Monday was in view of drastically reduced capacity owing to adherence to guidelines issued by the government,” DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal.
Stations closed briefly
On the first day of operations, around 15 stations were closed briefly during morning and evening peak hours, in a bid to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviour.
Nine special flying squads were also deployed for random checks inside the trains for violations, officials said.
“At least 84 passengers were asked to deboard for standing while travelling and 73 were penalised for not wearing masks. Around 106 passengers were counselled to follow social distancing and wear masks properly,” Mr. Dayal said.
All norms and protocols imposed earlier will continue to be followed, officials said, while adding that entry to stations will continue to be restricted and gates will be shut temporarily if stations get crowded.
Services on the Delhi Metro network were completely suspended from May 10 while prior to that, from April 19 to May 9 only people engaged in essential services were permitted to travel on the network, on production of valid identity cards.
The Delhi Metro had announced that services would resume in a staggered manner. The network is expected to operate at full strength by Wednesday, DMRC officials said.
Due to the restricted services, metro trains were available at a frequency of five to 15 minutes on the different lines across the network.
“General public is advised to cooperate with the metro authorities in ensuring compliance to COVID-appropriate behaviour inside metro premises throughout their travel,” the DMRC said.
