The Hindu : New Delhi News : Metro squads book 17,000 offenders

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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New Delhi

Metro squads book 17,000 offenders

Staff Reporter

Each team checks 15 trains in a four hour shift
60 inspections are done in a day

NEW DELHI: A month into existence, the flying squads set up by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation have already booked more than 17,000 commuters for offences ranging from ticket-less travelling to objectionable behaviour.

To check untoward incidents inside trains and stations, the DMRC had set up four flying squads. These squads are mandated to counsel and issue fines to offenders.

As per the data collated by the DMRC, 2,762 passengers have been caught sitting on the floor of the coaches, which is not permitted, while 2,340 passengers were caught travelling on seats reserved for ladies. Over a thousand have been caught walking on escalators, 1,742 for unauthorised use of the lift, 1,279 for not maintaining etiquette while boarding and de-boarding and 1,303 for leaning on coach doors.

The flying squads have also caught 479 passengers travelling with undervalued ticket and 55 without tickets and these passengers were fined up to Rs. 200 each.

Each flying squad team consist of a station manager, a station controller, a CISF official and two private security guards. Each team checks 15 trains in a four hour shift and 60 inspections are done in a day by these squads.

Even as the flying squads have taken up the role of counselling passengers on etiquette and adherence to rules, the DMRC will also collaborate with the Foundation for Restoration of National Values to encourage commuters to stick to rules.

“DMRC Managing Director Dr. E. Sreedharan firmly believes that all public goods and services can best serve India when users have a sense of belonging, and national pride towards such facilities, and exhibit behaviour in conformity with this intrinsic value system,” said a DMRC official referring to the tie-up with the Foundation.

It is with this aim that the Foundation will inspire commuters, and through them the whole nation to uphold values, the officials said.

The DMRC has launched a “Value Guide” programme where it will work with some of the commuters (who will volunteer) and work with them in spreading awareness about values and restoring them. “DMRC hopes to accomplish this through mentoring, film clips, announcements, etc. In this endeavour, FRNV will provide necessary know-how and guidance. Those commuters who would like to become Value Guides can send their details at metrovaluechampions@gmail.com and the FRNV will assist the DMRC in working out a concrete programme to train the Value Guides,” the official said.

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