Are You Stranded And Looking To Travel By Road? Here Is What You Should Know

In order to apply for a travel pass, one must have a valid reason for travel, vehicle details in which you will travel along with a valid government ID proofs.

New Delhi: Vehicles ply on NH-24 following the relaxation of restrictions during the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

New Delhi, May 11: With the government trying to mitigate the problems of stranded people owing to nationwide lockdown by running special trains and resuming bus services, there are scores of people who are still confused on how to avail e-passes to hit the road. As the cities are divided into Green, Orange and Red Zones, each of these zones will have its own set of rules for allowing private vehicles during this period. Uttar Pradesh has launched an online platform to issue e-passes to people travelling in and out of the state. Similarly, you can apply for e-pass from local administrative authority of your respective state and also apply online for the same. The new online e-pass will not just help to enter the state but will also act as a pass to travel within. Here is what you should consider before taking your vehicle out on the road. Do you need a pass to take your car out? If you need to travel and are stranded in another city or have a medical or a family emergency then you can be allowed to avail e-pass to travel by road. It is a crucial document that will allow you to cross police barricades.  This can only be issued by the government or local authorities only in exceptional cases within the city or interstate. Each state has its own guidelines regarding e-passes but generally, these are issued for people associated with essential services or for commercial vehicles ferrying goods. You can find a lot of restrictions being eased out in green and orange zones but there are strict guidelines when it comes to social distancing. More people will look to driving now as the Railway Ministry plans to passenger train services. Those in Red Zone will find it difficult to use public transport to reach stations. Hence, private vehicles remain the only option. In those cases, valid train tickets can work as a pass. However, there is no clarity if private vehicles without e-pass can be allowed to make a return trip from the station. How to avail such a pass? In order to apply for a travel pass, one must have a valid reason for travel, vehicle details in which you will travel along with a valid government-issued id (Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Passport Number, Driver’s License). The procedure and time taken to get the travel pass varies from state to state. It generally takes a minimum of one day to secure a pass. Every pass that has been issued by the government will be valid for a round trip or a one-way drop. The pass is issued for one-time use only. States, like Delhi, has told that e-passes issued before will remain valid throughout the lockdown 3.0 phase. How many people can travel together? Even if you have the required you are supposed to follow certain rules. For example in a four-wheeler three people can travel, including the driver while two-wheelers will not be allowed to carry pillion riders. Remember, people in the vehicle have to wear mask to avoid penalty, if applicable based on guidelines in zones you are travelling. Is there any particular time to travel? It is important to note that several red zones will have Section 144 imposed between 8 pm and 7 am. It means that you won’t be allowed to travel by vehicle during this period. Hence, make sure that you remember to get back to your original destination within the time limit. The only vehicles to be allowed during this period will be healthcare workers. Are there any penalties? Those who are found to be breaking the lockdown rules and the National Directives for Covid-19 Management may face consequences including prosecution. They can be charged fines, and vehicles can be seized and in worst cases, violators may also face arrest. The charges will come under the Disaster Management Act 2005 as well as certain sections of the IPC.