DMRC issues clarification on long queues outside metro stations

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday issued a clarification over the long queues at stations lately and said that the situation is such due to the existing Covid-related restrictions, and not the frequency of trains.

“DMRC is running 5,100 train trips every day. This was the same frequency at which Metro was operating during the normal pre-Covid times. The Metro is thus operating and running at its full frequency/capacity but with reduced carrying capacity owing to restrictions,” the DMRC said in an official statement.

When the national capital witnessed a surge in cases till a month back, the DMRC had intensified its safety protocols and passengers who were found violating Covid-19 protocols were fined immediately.

As per the amended guidelines of the DMRC, passengers are advised to keep 15-20 minutes in hand in order to save time at stations.

Full DMRC statement

In recent days, long queues have been observed outside metro stations as entry is regulated due to restrictions on number of passengers to be allowed inside the train. As per current guidelines, only sitting on alternative seats is permitted and no standing is allowed.

Although the DMRC is running maximum numbers of trains, passengers have to wait outside the stations because of the restrictions above. At present, the carrying capacity of the Delhi Metro as per existing guidelines is in the range of 10-15% only.

The long queues are caused as single entry points only are permitted at most of the Metro stations as in a mass transit system it is difficult to regulate the number of persons inside the system once entry is permitted.

The DMRC is running 5,100 train trips every day. This was the same frequency at which Metro was operating during the normal pre-Covid times. The Metro is thus operating and running at its full frequency / capacity, but with reduced carrying capacity owing to restrictions.