Delhi unlocks: Metro passengers break rules on Day 1

The Delhi Metro resumed services on Monday after a hiatus of nearly three weeks in view of the improved Covid situation in the national capital, but with 50 per cent seating capacity and no provision for standing travel for commuters, officials said.

New Delhi: On the very first day Delhi Metro rail services resumed its operations after nearly a month of complete suspension due to the raging second wave of Covid -19 pandemic, commuters on Monday were seen breaking norms put in place.

During metro rides from East Delhi's Nirman Vihar metro station to Rajiv Chowk (in the blue line) and from Rajiv Chowk to INA Market (yellow line), passengers were seen throwing COVID-rules out of the air despite regular announcements by the Metro authorities.

Complying with Delhi Disaster Management Authority's (DDMA) guidelines on Covid-appropriate behaviour, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) started its services with 50 per cent seating capacity. The government on Saturday announced that no passenger will be allowed to stand in metro coaches, however, many were seen breaking it on Monday.

Earlier:Delhi Metro extends suspension of services till 'further notice'

The Delhi Metro resumed services on Monday after a hiatus of nearly three weeks in view of the improved Covid situation in the national capital, but with 50 per cent seating capacity and no provision for standing travel for commuters. Delhi recorded 381 fresh cases of Covid, the lowest in over two and a half months and 34 fatalities, while the positivity rate dipped to 0.5 per cent, according to data shared by the health department here on Sunday.

"The number of trains will be inducted in full strength in a graded manner by Wednesday and thereafter, services will be available as per normal frequency which was available before the lockdown," the DMRC had earlier said.

The move comes in the wake of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announcing various relaxations on Saturday, allowing metro trains to operate with half capacity and shops in markets and malls to reopen on odd-even basis from June 7. He asserted that the city's economy needs to be revived in view of improving COVID-19 situation.

Kejriwal appeals for discipline

Kejriwal on Monday appealed to people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour amid the unlocking process in the national capital.

Kejriwal on Saturday had announced further relaxations in the lockdown, and said Delhi Metro would operate at 50 per cent capacity and markets and malls in the national capital would open on an odd-even basis from June 7.

"Many activities are resuming in Delhi from today. But take all the precautions to prevent corona completely - wear a mask, keep social distance and keep washing hands, there should be no laxity at all," he said in a tweet in Hindi.

"One has to stay away from corona infection and also bring the economy back on track," the chief minister added.

Malls, markets and market complexes (except weekly markets) will open between 10 am to 8 pm on an odd-even basis in accordance with their shop numbers, from Monday morning.

The Delhi Metro also resumed services from Monday. However, only half of the available trains have been inducted into service with a frequency ranging from nearly five to 15 minutes on different lines, officials said.

With inputs from agencies