Noida Metro: 600 passengers travel on day 1 on Aqua Line
Approximately 600 passengers opted for the rail services on the Aqua Line, which were suspended in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the officials said.
The Noida-Greater Noida Metro resumed services on Monday after a gap of over five months, with commuters being thoroughly screened for face cover and body temperature at the entry of stations, officials said.
Approximately 600 passengers opted for the rail services on the Aqua Line, which were suspended in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the officials said.
Some trains had as low as three to four passengers during the day, even as Metro staff and security personnel were deployed in personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and enhanced facilities to prevent the spread of the virus.
"The services resumed at 7 am on Monday. The commuters were thoroughly screened at the entry of stations for face masks, body temperatures, among others, as per government guidelines," a spokesperson of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) said.
According to NMRC rules, people with a body temperature above 37.7 degrees Celsius and without a 'green status' on the Aarogya Setu mobile app would not be allowed entry.
The rail service, which connects the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida over a distance of 29.7 km through 21 stations, resumed with curtailed operations.
"The trains ran at an interval of 15 minutes during the first 7 am-11 am shift of the day. The second shift will operate from 5 pm to 9 pm," the spokesperson said.
According to official figures, approximately 600 passengers had travelled on the Metro through the day, both the shifts combined.
The NMRC had earlier announced a fine of ₹500 for commuters found without a face mask and ₹100 for those spitting inside trains or on Metro premises.
It had also said masks would be available on payment basis at three Metro stations of Sector 51, NSEZ and Pari Chowk for a minimum of ₹5 and a maximum of ₹30 for needy commuters.
Prior to the pandemic-induced lockdown, the Aqua Line had an average daily ridership of approximately 25,000, according to the officials.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.