THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate the movement of persons by train in view of the decision of the Ministry of Railways (MoR) to gradually restart passenger train operations from May 12, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys).
According to the SOP, the movement of passengers to & fro and entry at the railway station would be permitted only on the confirmed e-ticket. Passengers would be compulsorily medical screened. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to board the train. During the travel and at the railway stations, strict adherence to Health/hygiene protocols and social distancing is mandated.
MoR will provide hand sanitizer to each passenger at entry and exit points at the station and in coaches. Further, it would be ensured that all passengers wear face covers/ masks at entry and during travel. On arrival at their destination, the travelling passengers would have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State/ UT.
Movement of trains shall be permitted by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), in a graded manner, in consultation with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and MHA.