KOLKATA: The decision by the West Bengal government to impose total lockdown throughout the state on certain days, including Thursday and again on Monday, may come in the way of resumption of Metro services in Kolkata anytime soon, senior railway officials feel. While Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is in favour of resuming services of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) from September 1, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) will only take a decision for Kolkata after reviewing the situation in West Bengal. In fact, the recommendation has to come from the state government.
“The situations in West Bengal and Delhi are different. Even the state government in West Bengal has indicated that the situation is not too good in districts like North 24 Parganas. This district stretches to parts of VIP Road, Dumdum and Bidhannagar. Lockdowns will continues tomorrow and again on Monday. There is also a possibility of lockdown dates being announced by the West Bengal government for September. I wonder whether the state will seek resumption of at least partial Metro services in Kolkata under the circumstances,” an official said.
Metro Railway, on its part, is ready to resume restricted services. Only those with smart cards are likely to be allowed inside stations.
To maintain proper distancing, every coach may only carry a third of the passengers it did before the pandemic spread. The greatest risk is the underground stretch. This (including the tunnels) is confined space where air is circulated.
“We expect the MHA to take a decision by Thursday or Friday. Our assets are ready for commercial services. However, we have informed the state of the problems and the assistance required to restrict entry into the premises. Nearly a month ago, the state had wanted Metro services to resume in Kolkata, primarily for those engaged in emergency services. This plan didn’t work out finally. The MHA may leave it on the state to take a decision on resumption of services. We are awaiting a communication from Delhi,” the official added.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/mha-to-take-call-on-metro-by-fri/articleshow/77751214.cms
