New Delhi: In the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the government has issued fresh guidelines to contain the spread of Coronavirus. In line with this, Delhi Metro is also asking its commuters to travel only if absolutely essential. To maintain social distancing, Delhi Metro has also reduced the passenger-carrying capacity by nearly 92 percent.

In an announcement on Thursday, Delhi Metro said that it has reduced its carrying capacity from 2,400 to 200 passengers per train. Since this has resulted in long queues outside Metro stations, the Delhi Metro has advised commuters to travel only if absolutely essential. "Also, keep extra time in your commute by the Metro as entry has to be regulated to ensure compliance with the guidelines," said the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a statement.

"With present restrictions of 50 percent seating and no standing, each coach can now accommodate only about 25 passengers. This comprises approximately 50 seating passengers and 250 standing passengers per coach. Therefore, an eight-coach train can now accommodate approximately 200 passengers only.  This is less than 10 percent of a train's normal carrying capacity," it said.

Further, to ease overcrowding on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2021), exit from Rajiv Chowk Metro station will not be allowed from 9 PM onwards.  However, entry of passengers will be allowed till the departure of the last train from the station. Commuters are requested to plan their journey accordingly, said Delhi Metro.

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