Security concerns reason for not providing bins at metro station: DMRC

New Delhi: Security concerns have come in the way of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation providing dustbins at "every metro station" which is provided only in inter-change stations like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Mandi House and Inderlok etc, the Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday.

"The respondent (DMRC) is not providing dustbins at every metro station because of security concerns but at interchange stations like Kashmere Gate, Mandi House, Rajiv Chowk, Inderlok etc transparent dustbins are installed by DMRC in first phase. DMRC is considering the feasibility to provide transparent dustbins at other stations also," the DMRC affidavit said.

The affidavit was filed after the court on May 1 had told DMRC that not having dustbins at metro platforms due to fear of bomb blasts was a "very myopic view of security" as airports and even railway stations have garbage bins.

DMRC also said that it has provided toilet facility for commuters at 138 metro stations but there are 11 metro stations where there are no such facilities due to lack of space.

It also said that it has been providing drinking water facility at all metro stations by way of AVM machine at 135 places and through kiosks at 166 places, through which metro commuters can buy water.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Kush Kalra, a commuter, complaining that Delhi Metro does not provide toilets, drinking water and dustbin facilities at all the stations.

Earlier, the court had directed DMRC to indicate on affidavit how many toilet and drinking water facilities are available at metro stations and whether the amenities are generally accessible to commuters.

In an affidavit, DMRC stated that "the contract for installation of 365 more AVMs has already been executed and the process of installation of the same is going in".

However, in metro stations where AVM facility is not available, the commuters can ask for drinking water from staff members of DMRC free of cost in case of emergency.

Kalra in his plea has also sought direction to the government and DMRC to provide clean drinking water, dustbin facilities and toilets in the future projects of metro.