Title - Special barriers, light masts to ensure safety at Metro sites

NEW DELHI: Safety measures feature high on the agenda of Delhi Metro as it starts construction for Phase III. For the first time, the Metro has chalked out an elaborate site safety plan for the two new corridors — Mukundpur to Shiv Vihar and Janakpuri (West) to Botanical Garden — as both are coming along Ring Road, a major arterial road in the capital.From plastic crash barriers topped with water to special light masts illuminating the 200m radius around a site, Delhi Metro will use the latest technology to safeguard the construction site as well as manage the traffic better. "Since Phase II, new technologies have come up and we will employ these at the construction sites," said a senior official of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).For instance, at the first site implementing these measures — stretching from Dhaula Kuan to Brar Square — DMRC will barricade the area with rope lights. These are hollow plastic tubes that emit light when connected to an electrical source. "The entire barricaded area will have rope lights, making it highly visible to commuters. Special light masts will also be placed on the ground near the radials on the road. These will throw light up to 200m ahead and will be especially helpful along roads where the traffic is converging," said the official.For the first time, DMRC will also set up a series of barriers along the construction site. Double rows of drums filled with water and sand, followed by the plastic crash barrier filled with water will provide a soft landing to any vehicle overshooting the barricades.

"A special purpose vehicle, which will look after the safety measures, will also be parked behind the crash barrier. It will provide another line of protection to labourers working in the site," added the Metro official. Such a vehicle is expected to be provided at every site along these two corridors to keep the safety measures updated during morning and non-peak hours. "This is to ensure that reflective lightings, rope lights, signage and other safety measures don't get compromised during the day," said the official.

According to Delhi Metro, the topography of the corridors calls for such an elaborate safety plan. Both lines parallel Ring Road, one of the most congested roads in the city. "Both commercial and private vehicles ply on Ring Road, and the traffic volume is very high," said the DMRC official. Although the traffic volume to road capacity ratio is already 1.3 — at its capacity — here, Delhi Metro is hoping that construction won't hamper the traffic much.

Reflective lighting will also be used within the site, besides blinkers and additional lighting and signage 200-250m ahead of the barricades.

"We are also educating the contractors on these safety measures so that the same level of preparedness is possible all along the corridor," said the Metro spokesperson.