Metro Railway will not issue tokens but only ferry smart-card holders if instructed to resume services at the moment. After chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Friday that Metro can resume services if it restricts the number of passengers per train, senior officials said that the issue will be taken up with the Railway Board before discussions are held with the state government on issues like security.
“We have come to know of the CM’s statement and the matter will be taken up by our general manager with the Board. We think that the state government will also write to the railways ministry on this matter. It is for the Board to instruct us what to do next. Once we receive instructions, a meeting will be convened with the state government where a final decision will be made along with procedures to be followed,” Metro Railway CPRO Indrani Banerjee said.
According to another official, effective crowd management will not be possible unless restrictions are imposed on the issue of tokens. To start with, Metro will not issue tokens. Even those carrying smart-cards will be stopped at various points before they are allowed into platforms. This will ensure that every train carries only a limited number of passengers. It had been earlier discussed to run end-to-end services but the plan has been dropped.
“We realise that the state is facing problems in providing public transport and has now turned to the Metro. We have been keeping our infrastructure prepared to resume operations at a short notice. Since our services will stop at all stations, things like how many people will be allowed on the platform at a time will have to be worked out. The state will have to provide assistance to avoid trouble once restrictions are imposed,” the official added.
Source:Times of India
