Thank you Metro, say families reunited with lost kids

I thought, I had lost everything. But when I was informed about half an hour later that my lost child has been rescued, I virtually came back to life,” said Geeta Sharma.

Sharma is one of the 50 parents whose kids got lost in the Metro network in the last one year but were reunited by the Metro and the Central Industrial Security Force personnel who guard the stations.

Responsible citizens

Families of children lost during Metro rides and later rescued came together on Tuesday at the launch of a novel ‘Metro Mitra’ scheme launched here by the Metro which aims to involve commuters as spotters of “lost” kids on trains and stations.

The initiative, jointly launched the Delhi Metro and CISF, wants to promote coordination between commuters and Metro staff.

It wants Metro commuters to be the “eyes and ears” for an “easy and safe” journey, said an official.

Aid from commuters in the form of providing resources, suggestions and complaints would be a welcome move, said Mangu Singh, DMRC’s managing director.
Commuters can also join the Metro service as volunteers by assisting the staff during any mishap, he added.

Quick response

“Our aim is to come up with alternative arrangements in case of a mishap, within minutes.”

“My son Shaurya, 4, was lost last year when I was travelling from Qutub Minar to Dwarka. At that moment, I thought, I lost everything but when I informed the CISF team, they rescued my child within half an hour,’’ said Geeta Sharma.

“I am really thankful to DMRC and CISF team,” she added.
It was a big day for many commuters who were reunited with their kids.

 “I came from Bihar with my husband to stay in Delhi. I was travelling from Laxmi Nagar to Connaught Place. My son Ankit, 3, was lost at Rajeev Chowk Metro station last year. I was at a loss what to do as I was a first-time Metro traveller,” Poonam said.

“I was guided by one of the commuters to take help from the CISF and DMRC. Within an hour, I was reunited with my son,” she added.

50 till now

Moreover, DMRC and CISF have helped in reuniting at least 50 families in 2014 and apprehended 121 pickpockets and many unidentified bags, said a DMRC official.
The DMRC and CISF have provided helpline numbers 011-155370 and 011-22185555 for helping commuters.