New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday issued an advisory urging people across Delhi-NCR to refrain from flying kites near elevated Metro lines, warning that kite strings could become entangled with high-voltage overhead equipment (OHE) and disrupt train services or pose a serious safety risk.
Kite flying is a popular tradition in Delhi-NCR, particularly around Independence Day on August 15. However, DMRC said the increasing kite-flying activity during this period raises the possibility of kite strings getting entangled in the OHE wires running alongside Metro tracks or becoming caught in the pantograph of a moving train. Such incidents could damage or trip the OHE or pantograph, potentially leading to disruptions in Metro services.
The Delhi Metro currently operates a network spanning 416 km across Delhi-NCR and is primarily elevated. The elevated sections use 25,000-volt live OHE wires to supply power to trains carrying daily passengers. DMRC cautioned that direct or indirect contact with the high-voltage equipment can be fatal, particularly for people using metallic maanjha (kite string).
“To prevent such incidences, DMRC appeals and seeks cooperation from the general public for refraining from flying kites in the vicinity of elevated Metro lines passing through residential areas for their own safety, as any direct or indirect contact with the 25,000 Volts OHE may prove fatal besides leading to OHE tripping or damage to the Metro train/pantograph, thereby, resulting into service disruptions,” the corporation said in its advisory.
DMRC also advised residents to enjoy kite flying only in open spaces located safely away from Metro infrastructure. The appeal comes ahead of Independence Day, when kite flying traditionally increases across several parts of the national capital and adjoining areas.
The Metro operator said it has a robust mechanism in place to minimise disruptions caused by kite strings. Dedicated teams have been deployed near stations identified as being prone to kite-related incidents and will swiftly remove kite strings whenever they are spotted around the Metro infrastructure.
DMRC has also advised train operators and station staff to remain particularly vigilant during the kite-flying season and promptly identify strings that could pose a risk to the OHE or moving trains.
The corporation reiterated that public cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of Metro passengers, staff and members of the public, while also helping maintain uninterrupted train services during the Independence Day period.
–IANS
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