Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested the Centre to allow the resumption of Delhi Metro services in a phased manner. Kejriwal asserted that the COVID-19 situation is pretty much under control in the national capital and that it is now the right time for Delhi Metro trains to hit the tracks.
According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering giving permission to the Delhi government to re-start metro trains from September 1 as part of Unlock 4, the guidelines for which are currently being formulated.
“We have requested Centre to allow re-opening of metro in a phased manner, on a trial basis, as COVID-19 situation is under control now. I hope the Centre will take a decision soon,” Kejriwal said at a press briefing.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is prepared to resume the services with all the necessary safety measures to keep the novel coronavirus at bay.
“We are prepared to commence operations whenever directed by the government. All necessary guidelines in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 virus shall be implemented & all efforts shall be made to make travel safe for commuters,” DMRC Executive Director Anuj Dayal has said.
However, on Sunday (August 23), Delhi witnessed its biggest spike of 1,412 COVID-19 cases since July 18, which is certainly not a good sign and even raises doubts over Kejriwal’s claims. Until and unless the number of cases sees a significant drop, there will remain a possibility of a resurgence of the dreaded infection.
Delhi Metro has been closed since March and has suffered a loss of approximately Rs 1,300 crore.