Delhi Metro’s flying squads have challaned over 300 commuters for not wearing face masks properly and non-adherence to social distancing norms.
"To ensure our travel guidelines are being followed, Delhi Metro's Flying Squads penalised 318 commuters on 24 March 2021 for not wearing a face mask properly & following social distancing. Let us all follow the protocols & politely counsel others to do the same," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) tweeted on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the flying squads penalised 234 commuters for such violations, the DMRC said on Twitter.
A senior DMRC official said that in view of the recent surge in Covid 19 cases, the Delhi Metro has decided to intensify its drive to reinforce the measures to ensure social distancing and wearing of face masks inside stations/trains.
As per the existing Covid safety protocol, it is mandatory for all the passengers to enter the station after thermal screening, hand sanitization, face properly covered with a mask and following social distancing in metro premises throughout their journey, he said.
As part of the intensified measures for containing Covid 19 spread, entry at stations will be regulated based on the social distancing at the stations, especially at the major stations like Rajiv Chowk, Barakhamba Road, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, ITO etc. during morning and evening peak hours.
“Due to the strict reinforcement of the social distancing norms, the passengers are advised to plan their journey in advance and allow for additional time of 20-30 minutes for their commute. If possible, off peak hour travel may also be opted by those who have flexibility to avoid overcrowding/long wait during peak hours,” the DMRC said.
DMRC has also directed its officials posted at stations to intensify their inspection and ensure that all the travel protocols are strictly complied by both the Metro staff as well as the travelling public.