The Home Ministry stated the trains shall be allowed to move by the Ministry of Railways in a graded manner, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It is almost two months since the lockdown that Indian Railways are planning to start train bookings and kick start passenger train operations from 12th May. According to a new order, train services will begin with initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys) and these trains will be run as special trains. You can start booking your tickets from Monday.
However, guidelines have been issued on Monday to ensure safe and secure travel of passengers once the train operations resume.
Here are the details of the SOP issued:
- Railway Ministry to ensure that passengers are screened and only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to enter or board a train.
- Only those with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station. The movement of the passengers and the driver of the vehicle transporting the passengers to and fro the railway station shall be allowed on the basis of the confirmed e-ticket.
- All passengers shall be provided hand sanitiser at stations and in coaches.
- On arrival at their destination, the travelling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state or union territory.
- During boarding and travel, all passengers will have to observe social distancing.
- All passengers will have to wear face mask or cover their face at the time of entry and during travel.
In order to contain the spread of COVid-19, health advisories and guidelines will be circulated by the Ministry of Railways through the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for their staff members and passengers.
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