NEW DELHI: In view of the restrictions by the Delhi government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Thursday decided to limit the number of seated passengers to 200 per 8 coach train from 2400 normally. It also said, “Travel only if absolutely essential”.
An eight coach Metro train can generally carry about 2400 passengers. This comprises approximately 50 seating passengers and 250 standing passengers per coach. With present restrictions of 50% seating and no standing, each coach can now accommodate only about 25 passengers. Therefore, an eight coach train can now accommodate approximately 200 passengers only. This is less than 10 percent of a train’s normal carrying capacity.
A statement issued by Anuj Dayal, Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC read: “Travel only if absolutely essential. Also, keep extra time in your commute by the Metro as entry has to be regulated to ensure compliance with the guidelines which is resulting in the queues outside stations.”
According to Dayal, passengers may take one hour time in advance as the entry gates will be shut after the station gets filled by a set number of passengers. Passengers can do so to avoid queuing outside stations, he said.
In the light of the yellow alert issued by the Delhi government with the surge of COVID-19 cases in the city and a new Omicron variant which is found to be more contagious than its previous predecessors, the DMRC has laid down these guidelines so as to ensure safety and help prevent the rise in COVID cases. The number of entry gates opened will also be regulated to ensure compliance with the guidelines.
Other than Delhi Metro, city buses too will be running at 50% seating capacity. Earlier the DDMA authorities had said that the DTC and other city buses shall also ply with only 50 percent of the total seating capacity in view of the new norms. Furthermore, only two passengers will be allowed to travel in autos, e-rickshaws, taxis, and cycle rickshaws.