Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
With Independence Day approaching, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued an advisory urging people to avoid flying kites near elevated Metro lines in Delhi-NCR.
Kite flying is a popular tradition around Independence Day, but flying kites close to Metro infrastructure can pose serious safety risks because of the high-voltage overhead equipment used to power Metro trains.
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WHY FLYING KITES NEAR METRO LINES CAN BE DANGEROUS
The Delhi Metro network currently spans around 416 km across Delhi-NCR and is largely elevated. The elevated corridors have live overhead equipment (OHE) wires carrying 25,000 volts of electricity to power trains.
If a kite string gets caught in these wires, it can come into direct or indirect contact with the high-voltage equipment. This can result in a potentially fatal electric shock.
The danger is particularly serious when metallic manja is used, as it can conduct electricity.
KITE STRINGS CAN ALSO AFFECT METRO SERVICES
According to DMRC, kite strings can become entangled in the OHE wires or get caught in the pantograph of a moving train.
A pantograph is the equipment fitted on top of a Metro train that draws electrical power from the overhead wires.
Such incidents can damage or trip the OHE system or affect the pantograph, potentially disrupting Metro operations.
DMRC ADVISES PEOPLE TO FLY KITES IN OPEN SPACES
DMRC has appealed to the public to refrain from flying kites in the vicinity of elevated Metro lines, particularly those passing through residential areas.
Instead, people are advised to choose open spaces that are safely away from Metro infrastructure for kite flying.
The appeal is aimed at protecting both the public and Metro passengers while ensuring uninterrupted train services during the Independence Day period.
WHAT IS DMRC DOING TO PREVENT DISRUPTIONS?
DMRC said it has a mechanism in place to deal with kite-related disruptions during the kite-flying season.
Dedicated teams are deployed near stations identified as being more prone to kite-related incidents. These teams can remove kite strings when they are spotted near Metro infrastructure.
DMRC has also advised train operators and station staff to remain particularly alert and watch for kite strings during this period.
WHY METALLIC MANJA IS A PARTICULAR CONCERN
Metallic manja can make kite flying near electrical infrastructure especially dangerous because it can conduct electricity.
Coming into contact with a live 25,000-volt OHE system can have severe or fatal consequences. A kite string caught in the electrical equipment can also create operational problems for Metro trains.
For this reason, DMRC’s advisory asks people to keep a safe distance from elevated Metro corridors rather than taking the risk of flying kites near the tracks.
KITE FLYING SAFELY THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY
Kite flying remains an important part of Independence Day celebrations in Delhi-NCR. However, DMRC has urged residents to choose open areas away from elevated Metro lines.
Keeping kites and kite strings away from Metro infrastructure can help prevent accidents, protect people from high-voltage equipment and reduce the chances of disruptions to Metro services.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
