The Delhi Metro has claimed that its civil structures have been well built with sufficient strength to endure maximum stress and strain in case of any eventuality like a major earthquake.

Spokesperson of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the commuters of the new age transport system should not panic as its infrastructure is earthquake resistant and can withstand quakes measuring up to 7.5 points on the Ritcher scale. “The Metro stations, viaducts and underground tunnels have been designed in a manner that they can withstand earthquake forces likely to occur in zone IV of the seismic zones, in which the national Capital lies,” he said.

It was also added DMRC has followed the Indian Railway Standards (IRS), Indian Road Congress (IRC), Indian Standards (IS) and other international standards and codes from countries, which are highly earthquake prone. He added that Delhi Metro has also adopted additional measures to tackle disaster in the underground section. “An earthquake sensor (seismometer) has been installed at Patel Chowk station to measure tremors. This sensor sounds an alarm whenever it measures vibrations equivalent to 5 Reichster scale or above and alerts the control room and the staff. In case the sensor is triggered, the Operations Control Centre (OCC) takes a decision to halt the train operations to tackle the situation,” he said.

Besides this, to make the Metro structures quake proof, all the piers have a pile foundation going about 10 to 15 metres below ground level to make them strong. Further, bearings with rubber padding have been put to make the structure more pliable. Seismic concrete retainers have also been incorporated in the design to prevent dislodgement during tectonic movements, the official added.