Safety checks of Metro's second phase ordered

Unwilling to take chances after two mishaps in consecutive days, Delhi Metro authorities on Monday ordered a "complete re-check" of structures built in the second phase of the rail project by independent structural experts from the safety and quality angle. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also announced a probe into Monday's mishap during clearance of the debris that remained after an under-construction bridge collapsed in Jamrudpur in South Delhi.

Metro's Phase II covers a 125-km network including five lines connecting Yamuna Bank to Anand Vihar and to Noida, Central Delhi to Gurgaon and Badarpur and Inderlok to Mundka in North-West Delhi. Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan inspected the site twice during the day and spoke to officials engaged in debris clearance operations. The cranes, which toppled on Monday leaving six injured, have been removed from the accident spot and gas cutters were being used to remove the debris from the site.

About 200 workers along with 30 engineers were involved in site-clearing activities, Delhi Metro spokesperson Anuj Dayal said, adding the 72-metre-long metallic launcher has been lowered to the ground and is being cut into small pieces by 40 gas-cutters. The traffic situation in South Delhi meanwhile showed some improvement on Tuesday as workers managed to clear some debris from the accident site, which had killed six persons on Sunday.