With the Centre allowing  commencement of Delhi Metro train services from September 7, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (  Passengers boarding Metro trains won't  be able to avail token system. They will be allowed to travel by using  smart cards only.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that thermal screening will be conducted at stations and only passengers with normal body temperatures will be allowed to travel. Hand sanitizers will be provided at stations.

“We will ensure that social distancing is maintained in the metro trains. Thermal screening of the passengers will be done at all the entry points. Tokens will not be issued and commuters can only use smart cards and other digital methods of payment for purchasing the ticket,” he said.

The transport minister further said that the services will be resumed following all COVID protocols so that the general public does not face any kind of difficulties. “Resumption of metro services will provide great relief to the public of Delhi.

After being shut for more than five months due to Coronavirus Pandemic, DMRC will resume its services from September 7 onwards in a calibrated manner following the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“There will be a system of purchasing smart cards at every station and passengers will be able to travel only with smart cards.  To ensure contactless travel, digital methods will be enabled to recharge smart cards. All measures will be taken to ensure the mandatory social distance of one meter between passengers in the train, marking of seats will also be done to ensure social distancing,” the government said in a statement.

In order to manage crowd, metro staff, additional civil defence volunteers will be deployed at station premises, it said, adding that provision of sanitizers will be made at every station and wearing a mask will be mandatory for everyone.

“Passenger can be issued challans by DMRC officials and police officers for violating any guidelines. The air condition in the coaches will be operated as per new guidelines so that there is a constant flow of fresh air in the train. A list of stations where services will be restored is being prepared,” it said.