With Coronavirus cases crossing 700 mark in India, PM Narendra Modi in a televised address extended the total lockdown in the country for 21 more days. From markets to transport industry, everything had to shut down. Now, in view of the nationwide lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Metro services will also remain closed till April 14, the DMRC announced on Wednesday.
Closing Metro Services Till 14th April’20
On March 22, the DMRC had announced closure of its services till 31st March 2020 earlier but after the PM’s further announcement, the DMRC said in a tweet on Wednesday, “We have received a few queries regarding the tenure of the closure of the Metro services. It is hereby informed that, in light of the lockdown issued by the government, Metro services will remain closed till 14 April 2020.”
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The DMRC official was also reported as saying, ‘The move is aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus by ensuring social distancing and encouraging people to stay at home for the time being.’
PM Addressing The Nation
In the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested people to stay at home in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that this alarming disease is a lot more dangerous than the World War and we all have to fight it together and try to contain its spread. “We don’t have advanced medical facilities available in India like China and Italy. See how they are dealing with it. Now it’s our turn and we need to turn around the time for ourselves, our people, our nation,” he added.
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At least 35 cases, including a death, have been reported in the national capital till Wednesday night. To not let it spread further, this was the best decision that the government and the authorities could take at this moment.
For the first time in 18 years of its operation, the Delhi Metro has halted its services to support the decision regarding lockdown.