Metro plans to install screen doors at stations

With an increasing number of suicides and accident cases at Metro stations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is contemplating installing of platform screen doors (PSD) at its busy interchange stations.

With an increasing number of suicides and accident cases at Metro stations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is contemplating installing of platform screen doors (PSD) at its busy interchange stations.

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To begin with, screen doors will be placed at the two busiest interchange stations — Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate.

This, according to DMRC, would be a step towards ensuring the safety of commuters.

PSDs are automatic glass doors installed at the platform to keep passengers away from the track. They are a relatively new addition to many Metro systems around the world. All six stations of the Airport Metro Express line — the 22.7 km New Delhi-Dwarka Sector 21 Metro line — already have platform screen doors.

"PSDs are an entirely mechanical system. Installing PSDs in stations means efficiently ensuring operation of two sets of doors together. We are discussing the pros and cons of the system and will accordingly take a call," said a DMRC officer.

Some popular Metro systems across the world such as Shanghai, Beijing, Paris Metro in France, among others have platform screen doors at most stations.

Incidents of attempt to suicide and accidents are on the rise at busy Metro stations. "This is one of the major challenges we are facing now. Platform screen doors at stations will deter those with suicidal tendencies and also prevent genuine commuters from losing their balance and falling onto the tracks," said a DMRC official.