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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday urged people across Delhi-NCR to avoid flying kites near elevated Metro lines ahead of Independence Day, warning that kite strings could become entangled with high-voltage overhead equipment (OHE), potentially disrupting services and creating serious safety risks.
Kite flying traditionally increases across the capital and neighbouring areas around August 15.
DMRC said kite strings could become caught in OHE wires running alongside Metro tracks or get entangled with the pantograph of moving trains. Such incidents could damage the equipment, trip the power supply and disrupt train operations.
The Delhi Metro network spans around 416 km across Delhi-NCR and remains largely elevated. Its elevated sections use 25,000-volt live OHE wires to power trains carrying thousands of passengers daily.
DMRC warned that direct or indirect contact with this high-voltage equipment could prove fatal, particularly when people use metallic manja.
The Metro operator advised residents to enjoy kite flying only in open spaces located safely away from Metro infrastructure. It said this precaution would help protect passengers, staff and members of the public from avoidable accidents.
DMRC has also deployed dedicated teams near stations and other locations identified as prone to kite-related incidents. These teams will promptly remove kite strings found around Metro infrastructure to minimise disruptions.
Train operators and station staff have been instructed to remain particularly vigilant during the kite-flying season and quickly identify strings that could threaten OHE equipment or moving trains.
DMRC stressed that public cooperation remains essential to maintaining passenger safety and ensuring smooth Metro operations during the Independence Day period.
The corporation urged residents to celebrate responsibly while keeping a safe distance from elevated Metro lines and related infrastructure.
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