HMRL Reviews Monsoon Preparedness, Emphasizes Passenger Safety

Hyderabad: In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd. (HMRL) Managing Director NVS Reddy held a review meeting with key stakeholders, including L&TMRHL MD KVB Reddy, senior officials from L&TMRHL, Operations & Maintenance company Keolis, HMRL, and Independent Engineer AECOM. The meeting took place at Metro Rail Bhavan on Thursday.

Ensuring Uninterrupted Train Services

NVS Reddy emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted train services, ensuring passenger safety, and convenience during the monsoon. He advised senior engineers to stay on high alert and monitor Metro Rail operations around the clock.

“I appreciate the pre-monsoon maintenance activities and safety steps taken by all concerned,” stated Reddy, reiterating the following measures:

- Arrangements for immediate switching to alternate electric feeders in case of TRANSCO feeder tripping to prevent disruptions during heavy rains and gales.

- Thorough inspection and sealing of all expansion joints, cleaning of rainwater spouts/pipes, sealing of joints to prevent rainwater gutter leakages, removal of vegetation growth on the viaduct, and cleaning of the viaduct with compressed air.

- Regular pruning of trees adjacent to the Metro viaduct and removal of any foreign objects falling on the electric traction system.

- Engaging additional housekeeping staff to prevent water stagnation on platforms due to rain splashing.

- Removal of flexis from advertisement boards near the Metro viaduct to prevent disruption of train services.

- Tightening of loose nuts and bolts on electrical fittings.

- Installation of additional G.I. clamps on station roof sheets to prevent their falling due to heavy rains and gales.

- Prevention of inundation at Metro entry/exit points, lifts, and escalators.

- Measures to prevent corrosion of rail tracks and other sensitive steel structures.

Passenger Safety Campaign

Reddy also advised L&TMRHL to carry out a passenger awareness campaign to educate passengers on safety practices. This follows a recent accident in the Delhi Metro where a lady was tragically dragged after her saree got stuck in the train doors.

“Passengers need to be educated to stand behind the designated yellow line until the train stops, avoid crowding near the doors, allow passengers to disembark first, and take care of loose items like saree edges, dupattas, and bag straps while boarding or alighting the trains,” Reddy highlighted. Additional safety tips include holding the handrail while using escalators and avoiding mobile phone use while boarding or getting off the train or while on escalators.

Commitment to Safety

L&TMRHL MD KVB Reddy reassured HMRL MD that L&TMRHL and Keolis would strive to maintain uninterrupted train services with all monsoon safety precautions. “Passenger safety and convenience are non-negotiable,” he stated. Keolis MD Mr. SC Mishra and senior engineers from HMRL, L&TMRHL, Keolis, and AECOM participated in the review meeting, reaffirming their commitment to safety and efficient operations during the monsoon season.