(This story originally appeared in on Apr 24, 2020)

NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force ( CISF ) has recommended a phased opening of Delhi Metro services after the end of lockdown, with thermal screening of passengers at entry points to the metro station, keeping two sets of PPEs at each station to handle any passenger with symptoms and use of face shield or visor by frisking and baggage-screening personnel to protect their face from exposure.Days after it put out a post-lockdown business continuity plan for airports, CISF has prepared a similar plan for security and safety when Delhi Metro services resume. This will be done in consultation with DMRC and ministry of urban development and their guidelines. CISF plan seeks to ensure the safety of its personnel, DMRC employees, shop owners and the commuters, apart from building public confidence in Delhi Metro’s ability to deliver in all circumstances.As per the plan, metro services should be operationalised in a phased manner. ‘Aarogya Setu’ app with inbuilt e-pass feature could be employed for identification of Covid-positive persons. Persons with high risks for spreading as well as contracting infections should be discouraged from using the metro.All persons entering metro premises will be mandatorily wearing mask. Hand sanitisation/washing facility will be available at the entry points. The entrants found with abnormal temperatures will not be allowed to enter the station. Strict distancing norms will be followed in the station. Passenger queue should start two metres away from security screening point and a metre’s distance must be maintained between passengers.A set of 2 PPEs will be kept at each station for handling of suspected passengers or baggage. Four PPEs will be kept as standby. CISF personnel will wear regular uniform with sleeves fully covered, gloves along with masks covering nose and mouth. Friskers and X-BIS screeners should additionally wear face shield/visor to protect their face especially eyes from exposure, according to the plan.Electronic and manual surveillance will be intensified to have close monitoring on all activities on the premises. DMRC will be requested to deploy adequate staff at paid areas including AFC gates and platforms for maintaining protocols. Delhi Metro Rail Police, Haryana Metro Rail Police and others will also be roped in to implement all the norms.