The Railway Ministry has prepared protocols related to corona virus from 15 April in view of possible train operations. Under this, the railway passenger will have to come to the station 4 hours before the train leaves on the lines of the airport. This allows thermal screening of passengers at the station. Only passengers with reserved tickets will be allowed to enter the station. No platform tickets will be sold during this time.
According to the railway documents, the railway will run only non-AC train (sleeper class) trains. The trains will not have AC class coaches. It will be mandatory for the passenger to give information about his health to the railway 12 hours before the journey. In case of signs of corona infection, the railway passenger will be forced off the train in the middle journey. The passenger will be given a 100 percent refund. Railways will also suggest senior citizens not to travel.
If any passenger in the coach is found to have symptoms like corona virus like cough, cold, fever etc. then TTE and other running staff will stop such a passenger by stopping the train midway. All four doors of the train will remain closed. Which will not allow the entry of non-essential person. The train will be completely non-AC and will run non-stop (one station and another station). Can be stopped at one or two stations as required. The coach’s side berth of the train will remain empty so that social distancing can be followed.
Railway official said that protocols related to train operation are ready. As per the instructions and suggestions of the Group of Ministers constituted on the corona, the said protocol will be implemented as it is or with change. He said that there are plans to run 307 trains in North India. Of this, due to advance booking, 133 trains are running long waiting due to seat houseful. Waiting tickets will be canceled.
Rail passengers will be given masks and gloves during entry at the station. In lieu of this, railway passengers will be charged a nominal fee. It will be compulsory for passengers to apply masks in station and train. More or less running staff will also be required to wear masks and gloves. The entry of outside vendors within the coach will be completely forbidden.
