Passengers trample on Metro manners

The lack of security guards at almost all Metro stations are creating problems for commuters. People waiting on the platform are always in a hurry blocking the way for those who want to deboard the Metro.  

As the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) is expanding and is trying to provide connectivity to almost all parts of Delhi-NCR, the number of footfall is also increasing. But it has failed to recruit additional security staff, after it reportedly bifurcated the duties of the old staff. As a result, security guards are rarely spotted at the platforms. 

“Earlier, at least five to six security guards, including women, were deployed at each platform to manage commuters. But now only two guards are deployed at each platform. Because of the lack of guards, commuters create havoc whenever a Metro  train reaches a station,” a 32-year-old security guard said.

It has also been learnt that at various Metro stations the announcement “let passengers exit from the train first” is not being made. Not only this, the DMRC also failed to maintain signage, which helps commuters identity the place where the Metro trains’ gates will open.

“We are not aware about the platforms where the signage needs maintenance. We will surely identify them and work on them,” a DMRC official said.

The stations where the commuters have to struggle to come out of Metro trains include Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Kashmere Gate, ITO, Badarpur, Rithala, Inderlok, Dilshad Garden, etc.

“Commuters waiting on the platform are in a hurry to enter the Metro to get seats. They push others and block the way of those who want to come out from the train. At times, commuters receive minor injuries too in the struggle,” said Ritika (21), a DU student.

Dheeraj, another commuter said: “Commuters are always in a hurry at stations where the Metro terminates, especially on the Violet line. During initial days when the service was started, security guards were deployed at all gates. They used to help the commuters deboard. But now, no guards are present and even the commuters do not follow the rules.”