Hyderabad Metro Rail services disrupted yet again

Hyderabad: Metro Rail services were disrupted on Saturday as a lighting rod arrestor fell on the track between the Assembly and Lakdikapul stations at about 2.20 pm. Passengers had to be detrained and escorted to the Assembly station.

Ms Shalini Rao, a commuter said, “Elderly passengers felt suffocated when the door did not open for a brief period.” She said the passengers were later allowed to disembark.

According to Mr Abinav Reddy, who was on the train, services were hit by at least half an hour. “Since it was a weekend and during the non-peak hour, there was not much inconvenience. However, there was some panic among the commuters,” he said.

Speaking about the incident, Hyderabad Metro Rail MD N.V.S. Reddy said he had instructed engineers and operating staff to increase maintenance checks during the monsoon.

He said the rod fell on the track due to heavy winds. Overhead electrical power was switched off and the rod removed. Since there was no overhead equipment (OHE), trains were run on battery.

Mr Reddy said a passenger who was asthmatic, complained of breathlessness and passengers were evacuated a few metres short of the Assembly station and taken to the platform.

The managing director said power was quickly restored and train movement resumed. The disruption in services for about half an hour was due to safety precautions.