During the trying times of COVID-19 outbreak followed by the nationwide lockdown, Indian Railways said in statement that no confirmed decision has been made about the re-starting of train services, but soon the authorities will come up with an action plan. As per the information, the preparations are going on for its post-lockdown operations. A decision, officials said, is likely to be taken in the coming week on how to restore services. The Railways has discussed the option of resuming services only on specific approval of each train from the Railway Board. Suggestions on phase-wise resumption have to be provided by the zone to the board.
As per the official source, the decision regarding the restarting of the train services is likely to be taken in the coming week. The Railways has discussed the option of resuming services only on specific approval of each train from the Railway Board. Suggestions on phase-wise resumption have to be provided by the zone to the board. In the zones, officials are also identifying trains and routes which can be resumed with the approval of the board. The focus is to see if routes catering to migrant workers can be resumed initially and also those that are not travelling or has halts at COVID-19 hotspots. The Railways will also have to factor in how the lockdown is eventually opened. If it is selective, then trains will only run in areas where lockdown is lifted, officials said.
The Railways is also unlikely to rescind a March 19 order suspending all concessions for passengers except those offered to patients, students and people with disabilities in a hurry, even after the lockdown period to discourage unnecessary travel. As part of its preparedness, the Railways has also asked zones to ensure the security of coaches parked in depots.
According to the latest reports, railways may also perform thermal screening on all passengers and abide by the rules prescribed by the government.
