In the Chennai metro trains, 7 persons squeezed in a single seat- NO social distancing at all
Posted on: 07/Jul/2021 8:41:01 AM
The social distancing norms have gone for a toss now in the metro trains in Chennai!!
It is well known that CMRL started operating metro trains at 50% capacity for the sake of the public. Maintaining social distancing has become a necessity now due to the Covid-19 infection. It is now said that there are no social distancing norms in the metro trains.
There is more rush now during the peak hours in several coaches and people travelling in the metro trains are experiencing more rush in Wimco Nagar. It was later brought to light by a frequent traveller that there is now a heavy rush in the airport line metro trains also. He spoke about how even after CMRL has given warnings and created awareness about social distancing the commuters do not follow rules. As many as seven people are squeezed in a seat and there are many who travel by standing inside the coach. It must not be forgotten that after the opening of the north Chennai metro line of 9kms there has been heavy traffic. Many commuters have complained that the metro trains become full by the time they arrive at Chennai Central.
On most days, there is a heavy rush inside the coaches of the metro trains and this inspite of the fact that CMRL has given permission to operate metro trains with fifty percent capacity. This heavy rush inside the metro train coaches has increased the fear of many commuters.
An Information Technology professional spoke about how she first thought that travelling in metro trains would be safe. She added that due to heavy rush inside the coaches there is now a huge risk. She concluded that she had stopped travelling in the metro trains and had been using her own vehicle to reach her office.
Every day, around 47000 people have been using metro trains in Chennai to reach their destinations. This was pointed out by officials belonging to CMRL. They added that this footfall was due to the presence of daily commuters who are using metro trains regularly. It is superb to note that the metro trains have recorded an average of 1.16lakh passengers daily before the Coronavirus pandemic. The officials later revealed that CMRL has been maintaining strict social distancing norms and it had made wearing of face masks a must while travelling in the metro trains. It is learnt that CMRL being a responsible agency has maintained all Standard Operating Procedures in Covid1- protocol.
