Once the lockdown is lifted and Delhi Metro resumes the operations, passengers will have to take out every metallic item on their body before checking, wear face masks, have the ‘Aarogya Setu’ app in their phones, but anyone with flu-like symptoms won’t be allowed to enter the metro station, as per a proposal prepared by the CISF on 23rd April 2020.
What Is It
Seeing the alarming spread of the virus, the paramilitary force that guards the metro network running across Delhi NCR has formulated a ‘business continuity plan’ for security and safety of passengers and staff working at the facility.
This plan has been prepared to give public confidence of travelling in the rapid rail network without worry. Following this will help in smooth functioning of the network.
The proposed measures will be implemented by the force “in consultation” with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and its controlling Ministry of Urban Development.
What Does The Plan Include
As per the plan, Aarogya Setu app with inbuilt e-pass feature could be employed for identification of suspected persons (having COVID-19 infection). Persons with high risks for both spreading as well as contracting infections should be discouraged from using metro.
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All passengers entering metro premises will be mandatorily wearing masks. Also, hand sanitisation or washing facility will be available at the entry points.
“Thermal screening of all entrants to be conducted at the entry point of stations and those found with abnormal temperatures will not be allowed to enter and persons with cold, cough and other flu like symptoms will be denied entry,” the proposal mentioned.
The force has also suggested that all passengers will have to take out metallic items like belts and buckles before frisking and keep them in their bags which will be scanned by an x-ray machine. Even those without bags but carrying metallic items will be provided trays.
“The plan has been prepared keeping in mind that the ‘speed, safety and security’ of the passengers, force personnel, DMRC staff and others present in the area is ensured,” CISF Director General (DG) Rajesh Ranjan was reported as saying.
What’s More
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Talking about the distancing, strict distancing norms will be followed throughout the station area. “At least two meters distance shall be maintained between the security screening place and line-up points and a meter between passengers waiting at the security screening place,” the plan said.
The announcements will be made regularly for the passengers to maintain social distancing. Shops and other commercial establishments will also ensure social distancing at their locations by means of markings.
Moreover, the CISF proposes to keep at least two personal protective equipment (PPE) suits at all metro stations to handle a suspected passenger or baggage.
“Four PPE suits will be kept as standby. CISF personnel will wear regular uniforms with sleeves fully covered, gloves along with masks covering nose and mouth. Friskers and x-ray baggage screeners should additionally wear face shield or visor to protect their face especially eyes from exposure,” it recommended.
More Staff To Be Deployed For the Smooth Functioning
To maintain COVID-19 protocols, the CISF has also asked the DMRC to deploy adequate staff at paid areas including automated fare collection gates and platforms for the smooth operation.
“Passengers will also be advised regularly to refrain from touching any surface inside the metro stations or trains,” the CISF plan said.
Strict Sanitisation To Be Maintained
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It has also proposed that the entire station area including equipments and x-ray tables should be sanitised with chemicals and security fixtures every 30 minutes.
Among all the security forces, the CISF has the largest public interface like at airports and Delhi Metro, a senior official was reported as saying.
He also mentioned that in the post-lockdown scenario, our personnel will come in close contact with large number of commuters daily while performing security duties, especially during security screening of passengers and baggages and hence they would be more exposed and susceptible to the virus.
Hence, they can’t take the security of each and everyone within the metro premises for granted. As predicted by the paramilitary force, that deploys about 12,000 men and women personnel to guard over 160 metro stations, the services of the rail network should be resumed in a phased manner.
First Published: April 24, 2020 3:07 PM