(Image source from: newindianexpress.com)

Unlock 4.0 guidelines: More relaxations outside the containment zones. Lockdown in containment zones till September 30, 2020.

Good news to all metro commuters! Your long wait has ended. With the enforcement of Unlock 4 in the country metro services are going to be back on track carrying passengers from September 7.

Metro services across the country have been suspended since March 22, 2020.

Not just Delhi metro but all metros of all the states have been given the green signal to start operations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the UNlock 4 guidelines on Saturday.

According to the guidelines, the metro trains will be operated in a graded manner by following the standard operating procedures (SOP’s) issued by the ministry.

Unlock 4 will unlock metro services, public gatherings including social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural and religious congregations.

Mandatory wearing of the face masks, social distancing, mandatory thermal screening and carrying of sanitizers will be required for public gatherings.

Open air theatres have also been given permission to start operations from September 21.

However, schools and colleges will remain closed till September 30 and 50 percent of the teaching and non teaching staff will be called to schools for online teaching related works.

All these activities will only be allowed outside the containment zones.

Lockdown will be in place in the containment zones across the country till September 30, 2020.

Also read: Metro arrangements in Delhi

Coronavirus cases have been rising steadily in the country with around 70,000 new infections being recorded every day across India.

The country’s coronavirus tally has reached 34 lakh which now only stands behind the US and Brazil.

More than 62,000 people have succumbed to the deadly virus in the country till now.

By Gayatri Yellayi