How To Get E-Pass To Facilitate Travel During Emergencies Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

Amid the COVID19 lockdown, citizens who need to travel in case of an emergency or urgent situation, can apply for an e-Pass which will allow them to aid their movement or travel to a desired destination.

Travel Amid COVID-19 Lockdown (Pic / AFP)

New Delhi: COVID-19 positive cases across the nation have witnessed a massive surge over the past week owing to which the government decided that it was best to extend the lockdown until May 3^rd, reducing the movement to only essential goods and services. To ensure that the lockdown is strictly practiced, police as well are patrolling to make sure nobody breaks the curfew and flouts any norms. However, citizens who need to travel in case of an emergency or urgent situation, can apply for an e-Pass which will allow them to aid their movement. An e-Pass can be applied through the respective state government website. Here’s how to apply for an e-Pass:

1. Visit the website of the respective state/union territory.
2. Select the 'apply e-pass' tab and fill the e-pass form with details asked for. You will be required to provide details on:

• Name
• Mobile Number
• Government ID
• Vehicle registration number (RC book)
• District and town name

3. Upload the supporting documents, if any, and submit your application.
4. On approval, you will receive the message from the authority.
5. You could take a print-out of the e-pass or show the e-copy to the police and other authorities enquiring about your movement.

In certain cities, like Bengaluru the emergency passes are available at police stations as well. While in Delhi and Assam, you can apply for these passes through WhatsApp. People who apply for the pass should have a valid reason for the pass. Like visiting the hospital or in case of a family member’s demise. Emergency passes just allow movement within the city or district, you cannot cross state borders with these emergency passes/ e-passes.