Chennai: Metro Rail services, which are set to resume from 7 September, will be initially limited. But it will be fully functional by 12 September.
‘Metros having more than one line should open different lines staring from 7 September, 2020 onwards in a graded manner so that all corridors become operational by 12 September 2020. Daily hours of operations may be staggered initially, which needs to be increased gradually with resumption of full revenue service by 12 September. Frequency of trains to be regulated to avoid passenger crowding at stations and in trains,” say the SOP guidelines for Metro operations.
According to the SOP, stations/ entry-exit gates in containment zones are to be closed. In order to ensure social distancing, suitable markings at stations and inside trains are to be done. Wearing of face mask to be mandatory for all passengers and staff. Metro Rail Corporations may make arrangements for supply of masks on payment basis to the persons arriving without mask.
Only asymptomatic persons to be allowed to travel after thermal screening at entry into the stations. Symptomatic persons should be advised to go to nearby Covid Care Centre/Hospital for testing/medical attention.
Provision of sanitisers to be made at entry into the stations for use by passengers. Sanitisation of all areas having human interface viz. equipment, train, working area, lift, escalators, handrail, AFC gate, toilets etc. needs to be done at regular intervals.
“Use of Smart Card and cashless/online transactions to be encouraged. Tokens and paper slips/ticket to be used with proper sanitisation,” it said.