Metro Services Not Allowed In Centre's "Unlock1" Guidelines

Metro rail services across the country are not permitted as of now and their resumption will be allowed based on the assessment of the situation later, the centre said in its guidelines for the extended coronavirus lockdown on Saturday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the lockdown in containment zones till June 30, but allowed phased relaxations in low-risk areas, including the opening of malls, restaurants and religious places from June 8.  

"Based on the assessment of the situation, dates for re-starting the following activities will be decided: International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA; Metro Rail; Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming polls, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places; social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/ cultural/religious functions and other large congregations," a statement read.

Following the order, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said the service will not resume until further notice.

"Public Service Announcement In light of the guidelines issued by the government, Metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice. Our helpline services 155370 shall also not be available. You may reach us at helpline@dmrc.org," it tweeted.

Before lockdown4 was announced earlier this month, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had suggested that the metro services should be opened for government employees and those involved in essential services on an experimental basis.

Mr Kejriwal today reiterated his demand of completely opening the economy in the national capital.

Calling the fifth phase of the lockdown "Unlock1", the centre announced that there will be no restrictions on the movement of people or goods within states and between states. Night curfew timings in lockdown5 will be changed to 9 pm-5 am from the existing 7 pm-7 am, it said.