West Bengal: Special metro may run on Sep 13 for NEET exam, needs prior booking through 'Path Disha' app

After metro services resume in the state of West Bengal, people will not be able to enter the metro station directly by punching a smart card. Commuters will have to get a pass using an app or a link as desired. Metro authorities say that the metro will run with only one-third of the seats. Social distancing will be followed inside the metro.
 

If the metro service is resumed in West Bengal amidst COVID-19 pandemic, then people will not be able to enter the metro station directly by punching their smart cards. Similar to airline norms, people will have to get a pass using an app or a link as desired.
 

Metro authorities state that the metro will run with only one-third of the seating capacity. In Kolkata, the number of seats per coach in the Metro is 48. The total number of seats is 384 in the 8 coaches. The one-third rule will allow only 128 passengers to be onboard at a time. People can stand inside the metro while maintaining social distance. In all, metro authorities think that about 200 people will be able to stand inside the metro.
 

In a meeting with the metro authorities, the issue of e-boarding passes came up while looking for ways to control the number of passengers. It is known that the state administration and transport department will help the metro authorities in creating the app and necessary infrastructure. It is also being considered whether the link can be delivered to the passengers through the 'Path Disha' app.

 Metro General Manager Manoj Joshi will personally visit the station on September 7 and 9. After that, the trial run of metro will start on September 13. The state government has requested to run a special metro on the day of the NEET examination.

 According to sources, there will be only one entry gate and one exit gate. Markings should be done at stations and in trains to maintain social distance. All passengers and drivers will have to wear masks mandatorily. Metro authorities will provide masks for those who do not have masks in exchange for money.

Passengers who are not infected with COVID-19 can travel on the metro. Thermal screening will be conducted at the entrance. If someone is diagnosed with the infection, then they will be taken to the local COVID Centre. Sanitizers should be provided at the entrance for passengers. Sanitation should be arranged in all parts of the station and train. Only cashless travel will be allowed.