Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been operating its passenger services with 50% seating capacity from 21st June 2021 post lockdown imposed by Government of Tamil Nadu due to Covid-19 pandemic. CMRL has been following strict Standard Operating Procedure at Metro Stations and its premises to curb the spread of Covid-19 and also provide a 100% Safe environment for passenger travel.
- In this connection, several precautionary measures have been undertaken to ensure that all systems are in safe condition.
- All Passengers and Staff are screened at the entrance of Metro Stations through Thermal Scanning. Only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to enter the metro stations.
- Symptomatic passengers or those having high temperatures are not allowed to use Metro Train Services.
- Face masks are mandatory at all times in CMRL premises.
- Automatic sanitizer dispensers have been provided at the entrance of the Metro Stations for passengers’ usage while entering the Metro Station.
- Baggages are being scanned in Baggage Scanner and Passenger shall have to pass through DFMD (Door Frame Metal Detectors) for contactless screening.
- CMRL is following the CPWD (Central Public Works Department) guidelines in connection with running of Air Circulators, Air Cooling and Air Conditioning Equipments, thereby maintaining a temperature range of 24 to 30`Celsius and a relative humidity range of 40 to 70%.
- Intake of fresh air is maintained at maximum level and re-circulation of air is avoided. Cleaning and Sanitization of air filters of the Air Handling Unit is being performed regularly to ensure circulation of clean air.
- At the Air Handling Units, after double filtration, the air is treated with ultraviolet rays to eliminate the microorganisms like virus and bacteria.
Disinfection of various areas in and around Metro Stations and its Premises:
- All human contact areas, lift buttons, escalators, hand rails, customer handling points are being disinfected frequently at all Metro Stations.
- Special attention is being given to frequent cleaning and disinfecting of Public toilets at the Metro Stations.
- All Metro Trains are being disinfected at terminal Metro Stations before commencement of journeys.
- During non-service hours the entire Metro Station and Metro trains are thoroughly sanitized.
Strict Adherence to Social Distancing and Proper Wearing of Face Masks:
- Social Distancing sticker markings have been placed at all Passenger moving / waiting areas at Station premises and in Metro Trains for passenger awareness and for strict adherence to Social Distancing.
- The passengers should follow these markings. Guidelines for Do’s and Don’ts have been put up at all Metro Stations for creating awareness among passengers.
- Regular public announcements on about proper wearing of Face Masks and maintaining social distancing at Metro Stations and in the Metro Trains.
- CMRL has been strictly following its policy to ensure all passengers wear their Face Masks properly and a separate squad has also been deployed for this purpose.
- A penalty of Rs.200/-is being imposed for not properly wearing Face Masks in Metro Trains and Metro Stations.
- So far a total of 27 nos. of passengers have been levied penalty from 21-06-2021 till 29-06-2021 for non-adherence and a sum of Rs.5400 has been collected as penalty.
- Crowd Control/Platform Management Staff have been deployed in Stations and Suitable markings like “X” have been indicated on alternate seats both in trains and platforms to ensure social distancing.
- Social distancing of passengers is being monitored through CCTV. Passengers have been advised to sit on alternate seats.
Enabling Smooth Contactless Travel:
- As part of providing various amenities to the public for safe and contactless travel, the following initiatives have been undertaken: QR code Ticketing system with 20 % discount has been introduced at all Metro stations to provide contactless transactions for passengers.
- Passengers are encouraged to use Travel Cards for contactless travel. 20% discount is available on usage of Travel Cards.
- Foot Operated Buttons provided in all Lifts at Metro stations Foot Operated Buttons to the Water Taps in Restrooms at all Metro Stations Hence, passengers are requested to wear their Face Masks properly and maintain social distancing while waiting in the Metro Stations as also during travelling in Metro Trains and to cooperate in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
Source: CMRL-Press Release | Image Credit (representational): CMRL
