In a crucial move, the Home Ministry declared that state governments shall not enforce any local lockdown outside the containment zones without seeking permission from the central government.
As per the modified guidelines for ‘phased re-opening (unlock 4)’, the Centre has given a green signal to metro rail services in cities to be re-commenced from September 7 in graded manner. However, Hyderabad Metro Rail Commercial Limited (HMRL) is gearing up to resume with required changes and the date will be announced soon.
The ministry of housing and urban affairs will release exclusive guidelines in association with MHA. It will discuss on the methods to be applied and the limitations that will be as is for metro services to restart. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the MOHUA.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal shared that he is delighted to know about the initiative. He took to twitter and wrote “I am glad that metro has been permitted to start its operations from September 7 in a phased manner”.
Hyderabad Metro officials stated that they are waiting for the detailed SOP from the centre. Further the state government will ascertain the situation in a high level meet and decide accordingly. Meanwhile, HMRL is resuming trials and keeping a tab to ensure things are in place. Reportedly, officials began checking components like rolling stock and overhead electric traction on all three corridors, apart from the regular disinfection and their maintenance.