Screen-door plan may be shelved: ‘More cons than pros’

The Delhi Metro's plans to install platform screen doors at two of its busiest stations — Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate — are most likely to be shelved, as the body has found "more cons than pros" in the project.

Though the body is still examining the feasibility of the proposal, several deterrents have been identified, such as over heating of the Metro tunnel, high costs and slowing down of the train door operation.

Following a spurt in suicides on Metro tracks, DMRC had decided to install platform screen doors at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate — which handle a daily footfall of five lakh commuters.

Similar platform screen doors are installed at all the stations of the high-speed Airport Metro Express Line, but officials say the system might not work on the rest of the corridors, as the air-conditioning in these tunnels is an open system.

Senior officials said unlike the Airport Metro Express, which was designed to have the screen doors, stations on the other six corridors were not designed for such a system. They said installation of these doors might lead to excess heating inside tunnels.

The system is also considered to be an expensive proposition which might not decisively prevent suicide attempts at Metro stations.

Officials said, "If anyone is determined to commit suicide on Metro tracks, there are many other stations where they can do so. Protecting two stations is not enough," said an official.

The other disadvantage identified in the proposal is the delay in door-opening operations, as there will be two sets of doors opening instead of one. "Already the average stoppage time at both Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate is more than other stations, as these have a higher footfall," the official said.

Director (Operations), Delhi Metro, Raj Kumar told Newsline, "Though we have not yet shelved the project, we have found more cons than pros in the proposal. We are still examining the possibility of installing the system but so far we have not found any solid arguments supporting the move."

ALSO READ

Ghalib returns home, his haveli opens today as public memorial

Cross at your own risk

Verdict in Dec 16 rape case expected by month-end: Neeraj Kumar

Read and Digest