Delhi Metro sees peak hour rush, may close gates to avoid long queues

The Delhi Metro resumed its full-fledged operations from September 12 onwards with new norms of social distancing in place owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday reported an increase in footfall on several routes during peak hours, and said that it may lead to long queues outside the stations.

These routes include Dilshad Garden-Shastri Park, Mundka-Kirti Nagar, Kirti Nagar- Mandi House, New Bus Adda-Dilshad Garden and Escorts Mujesar-Badarpur.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)'s Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Anuj Dayal said: "In recent days, it has been observed that certain sections of the Metro network are showing a trend where occupancy is touching 100 per cent mark during morning and evening peak hours."

"Such a pattern during peak hours, if it continues, and is repeated on the other sections too in the coming days, may lead to long queues outside the stations due to regulated entry which is essential for ensuring social distancing inside station premises and closing of gates etc. thereby, further increasing the journey time and inconvenience during travel," he said.

The general public have been requested to "break the peak" by staggering their travel timings to decongest the peak hours and avail the additional capacity available during off-peak hours for their own convenience and safety amidst the pandemic.