Passenger trains have remained suspended in the country since more than 45 days, a first in the national transporter’s 167-year-old history

Giving push to resumption of railway services which were suspended in the wake of Covid-19 related lockdown, Indian Railways will start running 15 special trains modeled on the lines of Rajdhani Express from Tuesday.

“Indian Railways shall start more special services on new routes, based on the available coaches after reserving 20,000 coaches for COVID-19 care centres and adequate number of coaches being reserved to enable operation of up to 300 trains everyday as "Shramik Special" for stranded migrants,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

Passenger trains have remained suspended for more than 45 days, a first in the national transporter’s 167-year-old history.

In the meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate movement of passengers by train.

According to a statement issued by the MHA on Monday, movement of passengers to and fro and entry at the railway station would be permitted only on confirmed e-ticket.

“There would be compulsory medical screening of all passengers. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to board the train. During the travel and at the railway stations, strict adherence to health/hygiene protocols and social distancing,” the MHA said.

All passengers would be provided with hand sanitizer at entry and exit points at stations and in coaches. Further, it would be ensured that all passengers wear face covers/ masks at entry and during travel.

On arrival at their destination, the traveling passengers would have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state and union territory.

It should be noted that movement of trains across the country will take place in a graded manner and in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the MHA.

IVD Bureau