Kite flying near Delhi Metro's 25,000-volt lines can be fatal, warns DMRC

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday issued an advisory urging the public not to fly kites near its elevated metro corridors ahead of Independence Day. The warning comes as kite flying is expected to peak on August 15, a tradition observed across Delhi and the National Capital Region.

In a statement, the DMRC said that its elevated network of 416 kilometres has live overhead equipment (OHE) wires carrying around 25,000 volts. These wires run parallel to the tracks and supply power to trains. According to an official, "Kite strings getting entangled in these OHE wires can not only disrupt train services but also can be fatal for those flying kites with metallic manjhas."

The OHE system is a critical component of metro operations; even a minor disruption can halt services. A kite string that becomes tangled can cause sparks, overheating, or a complete power outage, affecting thousands of passengers.

The advisory specifically warns against the use of metallic or Chinese manjha – a thin, abrasive string that is a conductor of electricity. If such a string touches the high-voltage wires, it may lead to short circuits, power failures, or electrocution of the person flying the kite. The DMRC has therefore advised people to use plain cotton strings and to maintain a safe distance from metro tracks.

To deal with any kite-related incidents, the DMRC said it has deployed dedicated teams near stations that are prone to such occurrences. These teams are responsible for quickly removing any kite strings spotted in restricted areas. Train operators and station staff have also been instructed to be more vigilant and to promptly report any entanglement of kite strings with OHE wires.

This is not the first time such an advisory has been issued; in recent years, the DMRC has issued similar warnings ahead of Independence Day and Republic Day to ensure the safety of passengers and the reliability of metro services.

In a related development, Delhi Police on Wednesday seized around 1,398 reels of banned Chinese kite string from a car in west Delhi. Three people – identified as Rajesh (33), Asad (23), and Sohail (19) – were arrested at the spot. The police also impounded the vehicle used for transporting the reels and registered a case.

Chinese manjha has been banned in Delhi due to its hazardous nature. The string is coated with a mixture of glass, metal, and other abrasive materials, making it extremely sharp and non-biodegradable. It poses a serious threat not only to humans but also to birds and animals. In previous instances, such strings have caused severe cuts, injuries, and even deaths. They are also known to disrupt power supply by getting tangled in electric wires.

The ban on Chinese manjha has been in place for several years, but enforcement remains a challenge. Police have been conducting checks and surprise raids in markets and on roads to prevent the sale and transport of banned kite strings. Wednesday's seizure is part of a larger crackdown ahead of the festival.

Residents living near metro lines are encouraged to ensure that children in their neighbourhoods do not fly kites in unsafe areas. Parents and guardians should educate youngsters about the dangers of kite strings coming into contact with electric wires.

The DMRC appeal to the public is a reminder that celebration should not come at the cost of safety. Kite flying is an integral part of Independence Day celebrations, symbolising freedom and joy. However, the authorities have urged citizens to ensure that their celebration does not endanger themselves or disrupt essential public services like the metro.

The corporation has also requested commuters and residents to cooperate with its teams and to report any sighting of kite strings tangled on metro structures. Passengers have been assured that the metro will continue to run safely, provided the public heeds the advisory. The DMRC's advisory underscores the need for shared responsibility between the public and utility providers to ensure a safe Independence Day.