While easing virus lockdown, India has reported its biggest daily increase in cases Monday as it prepares to gradually reopen train services. The Indian Railways will gradually resume passenger train services from May 12.
The Home Ministry issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of people by trains and made it clear that only asymptomatic and confirmed ticket holders will be allowed to travel.
Booking for reservation on these trains will start at 4 pm today and will be available only on the IRCTC website. A total of 15 trains for different destinations will leave New Delhi on Tuesday.
Guidelines that train passengers have to follow from tomorrow:
1. Passengers have to reach 90 min in advance in stations to board the trains.
2. All passengers will be compulsorily screened.
3. Only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to board the train.
4. During boarding and travel, all passengers have to observe social distancing.
5. All passengers have to wear face covers/ masks at entry and during travel.
6. Only passengers with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station.
7. The movement of the passenger(s), as well as the driver of the vehicle transporting the passenger(s) to and fro the railway station, shall be allowed on the basis of the confirmed e-ticket.
8. On arrival at their destination, the traveling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state or union territory.
9. Passengers have to bring their own food, blankets, and bedsheets from home to avoid the risk of infection.
10. Pre-packed snacks, biscuits will be available with the onboard catering staff, they will be sold to passengers who need them, just like the airlines do.
11. All passengers shall be provided hand sanitizer at stations and in coaches.
12. Railways “advises” passengers of these trains to download the Aarogya Setu app. But not a precondition to travel
On Monday, India’s government reported 4,213 new cases of coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours. It has now more than 67,000 cases which include 2,206 deaths.
Source: TheIndianExpress
