While staying safe is key, travelling in the current pandemic scenario is likely to be emergency-induced. In such a case, keep these government-released guidelines in mind if you’re travelling by train. By Bayar Jain
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In today’s times, travelling should be restricted to essentials and emergencies only. In such a case, if you find yourself compelled to travel by train, keep these government-issued guidelines in mind. Notably, India.com states that 1,402 special train services, 5,381 local or suburban trains, and 830 passenger trains are running on an average every day.
Dos
- Referring to a release issued by the Ministry of Railways, Times Now reports that wearing masks while travelling by trains is mandatory. Social distancing must also be adhered to, it notes.
- Further, the government recommends carrying hand sanitisers during the journey. Passengers who wish to buy protective equipment (sanitisers, gloves, masks, etc.) can do so at the stations’ multi-purpose halls.
Don’ts
- Spitting is strictly prohibited–state media reports. In doing so, a passenger will be fined INR 500.
- Travelling mask-less will also impose a fine of INR 500.
Other Key Points
- Interestingly, carrying a COVID-19 negative report while travelling by trains is not mandatory, notes India.com.
- While cooked meals are not being served currently, ready-to-eat meals are available for purchase.
- Bedding and linen are not provided as of now. Instead, they can be purchased at multi-purpose halls.
State-wise Guidelines
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Although an overarching guideline has been issued by the Ministry of Railways, some states have issued specific pointers keeping in mind the region-specific COVID-19 scenario.
Chhattisgarh
All passengers need to carry a negative RT-PCR report or can choose to get tested upon arrival. If one denies testing, a seven-day quarantine must be undertaken.
Delhi
Every passenger who enters the capital city via train has to quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, those arriving from Maharashtra need to carry a negative COVID-19 report.
Jammu & Kashmir
All arrivals by train need to have an RT-PCR test report, taken within 72 hours of travel.
Karnataka
A negative RT-PCR test report—taken not more than 72 hours before arrival—has been made mandatory for those arriving from Maharashtra, Punjab, Chandigarh and Kerala.
Kerala
A negative RT-PCR report is compulsory for all arrivals. However, passengers can opt to get tested at the stations, too. Moreover, a 14-day home quarantine is mandatory for such passengers.
Himachal Pradesh
Only passengers from Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have to compulsorily carry an RT-PCR negative report taken within 72 hours of travelling.
Maharashtra
A 14-day home quarantine is mandated for passengers arriving on long-distance trains. Additionally, thermal screening is also introduced at all railway stations, including locals. Those travelling from outstation trains are currently barred from journeying in local trains. Tickets can only be bought via ticket counters and booking centres.
Uttar Pradesh
Apart from a compulsory 14-day home quarantine, all travellers arriving from Maharashtra and Kerala must also carry a negative RT-PCR test report, taken within 72 hours of travelling.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on #IndiaFightsCorona for all the latest travel guidelines.
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