The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has started a dedicated Safety Awareness Week focused on the proper use of lifts, escalators and travelators across its metro network. The campaign aims to reduce accidents caused due to careless or unsafe use and improve overall passenger awareness and discipline inside stations, reported ANI.
At present, the Delhi Metro operates and maintains 965 lifts, 1,297 escalators and 42 travelators across its stations. The system plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth, fast and accessible travel for millions of commuters every day, including senior citizens, women, and persons with reduced mobility.
Unique station record at Kashmere Gate
One of the key highlights of the network is the Kashmere Gate Metro Station, which holds a world record for having the highest number of escalators in a metro station, with a total of 53 escalators.
This makes it one of the busiest and most important interchange stations in the entire network, handling a very large volume of passengers daily and connecting multiple metro lines efficiently, as per the news agency.
Activities during the awareness week
As part of the campaign running from April 7 to 13, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has deployed scout and guide volunteers along with DMRC staff at several stations. These volunteers are stationed near lifts and escalators holding placards to guide passengers on safe usage and correct behaviour.
In addition, street plays (nukkad nataks) are being performed at select high-footfall stations to spread awareness in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. Informational leaflets are also being distributed among commuters, highlighting key safety tips and preventive measures.
Focus on safety and accessibility
The campaign is designed to educate passengers about best practices for using lifts and escalators safely, including standing properly, avoiding rushing, and supervising children. It also aims to promote preventive behaviour to reduce avoidable accidents during daily travel.
Special attention is being given to elderly passengers and persons with disabilities, ensuring they receive proper assistance, priority access and guidance while using these facilities across stations, reported the news agency.
Importance of passenger responsibility
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has stated that it gives high priority to the maintenance and smooth functioning of all lifts, escalators and travelators. However, officials noted that many accidents still occur due to lack of caution and unsafe behaviour by passengers.
This awareness week has therefore been introduced to encourage responsible behaviour, improve discipline, and ensure safer and more comfortable journeys for all commuters across the metro network.
(With ANI Inputs)