Thursday 25 / April / 2024
NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways on Saturday extended the cancellation of all passenger train services till May 17 in line with the extended lockdown announced on Friday in a bid to fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
An official statement by the Indian Railways said migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places shall be transported by special trains for laborers, as required by the state governments based on the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs.
Trains catering to freight and parcel operations shall continue, the statement said.
On Friday, the Indian Railways started special trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to the nationwide lockdown imposed since March 25.
These special trains will run from point to point on the request of both the concerned state governments. The Indian Railways and state governments shall appoint senior officials as Nodal Officers for coordination and smooth operation of these trains.
Those passengers have to be screened by the sending states, and only those asymptomatic would be allowed to travel. The sending state governments will have to bring people in batches that can be accommodated in the train to the designated railway station in sanitized buses following social distancing norms and other precautions.
It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face masks. Meals and drinking water would be provided by the sending states at the station. The Indian Railways will also ensure social distancing norms and hygiene with the cooperation of passengers.
On arrival at the destination, passengers would be received by the state government, who would make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine and further travel from the railway station.
