From Social Distancing To Face Masks: Here's How Your Rail Journey May Change After Lockdown

To prevent the spread of novel coronavirus breakout, PM Modi on Tuesday last week announced the 21-day lockdown. Following this, Indian Railways announced the suspension of passenger trains till April 14, 2020. As the lockdown is nearing to its end, Indian Railways is considering several proposals to bring in effect for its operations. The proposals for post-lockdown operations by the Indian Railways include social-distancing in the train, face masks, and using the Arogya Setu app to check the health status of passengers before letting them in.

So far no decision has been taken on when the passenger services will resume. However, the news agency PTI reported that passenger services are likely to resume in a phased manner after a green signal from the government.

"These are sensitive times and we are not looking in terms of revenue generation for now. The focus is on passenger safety and to ensure that the disease does not spread. Trains will run in due course, once the government gives us the green signal. However as of now, we have not taken any decision," PTI quoted a senior official as saying.

“The Railways are also discussing protocols that need to be followed once services begin to ensure safety of passengers. They are mulling options like thermal screening and other methods to scan passengers boarding trains,” official added.

The official further said, "Once the services are resumed, we are thinking of requesting passengers to wear masks as per the health ministry advisory. We are also thinking of using the Arogya app to check the health and wellness of patients and allow only healthy passengers to board trains.”  A

Recently, the Indian Railways said that it will be converting around 5000 coaches as isolation wards which will be sent in rural areas.

The death count in India has reached 83 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country. According to the latest update from the health ministry, a total of 3,577 cases of coronavirus has been reported in India.

Also Read: Coronavirus: 505 News Cases Take Count To 3,577 In India, COVID-19 Death Toll Rises To 83

It is worth mentioning here that the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.

(With PTI Inputs)

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