Safe trip: Rail travel may not be same again after COVID-19 lockdown
As, and when, Indian Railways resumes its passenger services in the country, train journeys may not remain the same as it used to be. That life after lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown could be very different and more disciplined with regards to the screening of passengers.
As and when Indian Railways resumes its passenger services in the country, train journeys may not remain the same as it used to be. That life after lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown could be very different and more disciplined with regards to the screening of passengers.
According to reports by Hindustan Times and its sister publication Hindustan, the Indian Railways is chalking out a set of guidelines on how people should travel in trains.
This may include a specific lead time, which means passengers may have to report at the railway stations ahead of the scheduled departure time of the train. Reports suggest this lead time could be as long as four hours, which would give passengers adequate time to clear the safety protocols that may be introduced.
However, it may be noted the Railways Ministry has not issued any protocol regarding passenger travel during post lockdown period.
Ministry of Railways has not issued any protocol regarding passenger travel during post lockdown period, as has been incorrectly reported in some media reports
As and when a decision is taken, all stakeholders would be intimated. Please do not be guided by any misleading report
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 9, 2020
“Ministry of Railways has not issued any protocol regarding passenger travel during post lockdown period, as has been incorrectly reported in some media reports. As and when a decision is taken, all stakeholders would be intimated. Please do not be guided by any misleading report,” the ministry has said.
Even though any such protocols have not been issued by the government, reports suggest a list of changes have been proposed to help reduce the risk of transmission of the virus during railway journey.
This includes operation of only non-air conditioned coaches since it is believed the infection spreads more rapidly in air-conditioned environment. Reports also suggest passengers may have to inform the railways about their health status 12 hours prior to commencing their journey.
Passengers are likely to be provided with face masks and gloves during their journey against a small fee, and this may be mandatory during travel, suggests a report. They may also have to pass through a specially-made disinfecting tunnel. They are also likely to be deboarded from trains if they’re found with COVID-19 symptoms.
Related news: Schools, trains to be care centres as India turns a leaf in COVID fight
Vendors are not expected to be allowed inside coaches as a preventive measure, according to a report. All four doors of the coaches may be kept shut to prevent unauthorised entry of non-passengers into the compartments during journey.
Reports suggest the Railways may also enforced social distancing norms during the journey. This may include allowing only two passengers in every cabin having six births. The side berths may be kept vacant.
The Railways is also likely to operate non-stop services between the originating and destination stations in most cases, while it may allow only a few additional stops in between in some.
The Federal had earlier analysed how Indian Railways’ suspension of passenger services could help contain the spread of COVID-19 in India. Click here to read it.
