Delhi Metro operations can resume with Covid protocols if directed by govt: DMRC director

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Sunday issued a statement saying it is rey with all required guidelines to resume operation of its metro services if given a not by government.

"Delhi Metro Rail Corporation shall be prepared to commence operations whenever directed by government. All necessary guidelines in place to combat spre of COVID-19 virus shall be implemented & all efforts shall be me to make travel safe for commuters," Executive Director of DMRC said in a statement.

This comes as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that Metro train services in Delhi should be resumed on a trial basis as COVID-19 situation was improving in city. Kejriwal in his web interaction named ‘Digital Samv’ with trers, entrepreneurs and businessmen said he has urged Centre that Delhi should be treated differently and metro services should be started in a phased manner on a trial basis.

Kejriwal h urged PM Modi to resume metro service when latter asked for suggestions from chief ministers of all states on what relaxations are required by individual states amid lockdown imposed by Centre. Delhi government has also given nod to open hotels and gyms in national capital.

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COVID-19 situation in Delhi 

Delhi on Sunday witnessed a record spike of 1,412 COVID-19 cases, highest single-day spike since July 18. Also, number of containment zones in Delhi has also risen from 539 on August 1 to 591 on August 21.  situation in Delhi immediately arises after state Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Saturday that hotels in National capital will reopen as per SOPs issued by Central government. This statement from health minister came a day after DDMA issued an order asking hotels to open in city with various anti-COVID-19 measures.

In July, number of containment zones was more than 700 in Delhi, but it grually declined till August owing to government allowing "red" zones to be denotified 14 days after discharge of last confirmed case, inste of earlier norm of 28 days. However, containment zones have increased in month of August. 

However, in a piece of good news, recovery rate in Delhi has surpassed 90 percent, with vacancy of beds in hospital has also increased considerably.