New Delhi:
Several bus stops and metro stations in Delhi witnessed long queues today, a day after officials announced public transport in the national capital would only have a 50% capacity.
The decision was made amid a spike in Covid cases following the emergence of the new variant Omicron. The Delhi Chief Minister issued a yellow warning on Tuesday under which schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms would be closed.
The yellow alarm also means that buses and metros operating in the capital are running with 50% seating capacity.
Commuters said they were in trouble because of the new standards. The waiting time for passengers has increased due to the low seating capacity.
“We have to leave our house 2 hours before the scheduled time. Here on the bus they don’t take passengers, but at the bus stop the crowd gathers. We have to stand for hours making us late for work,” said one commuter to ANI.
There were also long queues at some metro stations in the Delhi-NCR region.
Queue outside Delhi Metro Shaheed Sthal station in Ghaziabad
Some segments of the population also supported the decision given the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
“According to the situation, the move is good, but people have a problem. All gates are closed and only one gate is open, which will lead to gathering and eventually business will increase. Our costs are also increasing. Government should think about the commuters ‘ says Anamika, a commuter.
On Tuesday, authorities announced that Delhi’s metros will run with only 50% seating capacity with no provision for commuters.
“Given the restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, access would be regulated through some gates. Passengers are therefore requested to travel only if absolutely necessary and allow some extra time for their journey. keep,” the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said in a tweet.
Delhi reported 496 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, registering its highest one-day spike since the past six months. Delhi also has the highest number of Omicron in the country with 238 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 167 cases.
