Unlock 1: Railways Resume Partial Operations With 200 Passenger Trains From Today; Check Guidelines For Traveling

Railway Ministry had announced the partial restoration of 200 trains, earlier, as a part of the graded restoration of passenger train services, after consulting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(Photo by Himanshu SHARMA / AFP)

New Delhi: As many as 200 passenger trains will resume services with effect from June 1 (Monday), a day after end of lockdown 4 and beginning of phased unlocking of the country. Mahanagari Express, was the first train among the 200 special trains, to start operation. It departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Railway Ministry had announced the partial restoration of 200 trains, earlier, as a part of the graded restoration of passenger train services, after consulting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Over 1.45 lakh passengers will travel on 200 trains from Tuesday. The trains will be running on the pattern of regular trains, which will be fully reserved having both AC and Non-AC classes, as per a statement by the Railways. It said that the trains will not be having unreserved coaches. The 200 trains will be in addition to the existing Shramik Special trains being run with effect from May 1 and Special AC trains (30) being run since May 12. Safety and social distancing norms are mandatory to be followed at railway stations and inside train compartments. Even on destination stations the health protocols which are prescribed by the respective state and Union Territory will have to be followed. Zonal Railways have been instructed to ensure that there are separate entry and exit gates at railway stations to the extent feasible so that there is no face to face movement of passengers. Indian Railways has also allowed booking of reservation tickets through the reservation counters, Common Service Centers (CSCs), and ticketing agents with effect from May 21. On Friday, the Indian Railway appealed that people with co-morbidities and other vulnerabilities should refrain from travelling in trains unless it is essential, after the reports of deaths of passengers traveling in Shramik Train.  Guidelines for travelers: Donwloading of Aarogya Setu App on passenger’s mobile phone, that they are carrying along, is mandatory. Use Face Mask, Maintain Social Distancing and Wash Hands Frequently Catering Service is not available and catering charges not included in the fare. No blanket and linen shall be provided in the train. Packed food items and water will be available on payment in the pantry cars (if attached to the train), Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and a full refund will be given to all symptomatic passengers The concessions will be given to only four categories of Divyangjan and 11 categories of patients. In these special trains, there will be no linen, blankets or curtains in trains. Also Watch:  200 special trains run as per schedule from today