No Confirmation of train services from April 15: Indian Railways on Thursday (April 9) rejected media reports that train operations will resume from April 15, after the end of 21-day nationwide lockdown.
The Indian Railways also denied media reports that railway passengers will have to follow new travel protocol once the services are restored after the lifting of lockdown. In addition to this, it is premature to speculate about the norms of resumption of passenger services at this stage- Indian Railway said in its statement.
The department(Railway) has also issued the clarification after reports emerged that train services are expected to resume after April 14 but the passengers will have to reach railway stations four hours before the scheduled departure of the train. The reports also claimed that all passengers will have to undergo thermal screening before boarding the train. However, Union Railway Ministry, asserted that no such guidelines have been issued by Indian Railways.
“Railways would take best feasible decisions and in the interest of all stakeholders including the prospective passengers,” it said, adding that all concerned are requested that not to be guided by the rumors or misleading reports in some section of media. All concerned would be intimated about the same as and when a decision is taken about it.
Indian Railways has suspended the passenger, mail and express train services from March 24 to April 14 after the announcement of nationwide lockdown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.
Only special parcel trains and freight are currently operational to supply the essential items across the country. The railways also rolled time table for the special parcel trains for the prompt delivery of all the essential items.
