Indian Railways to resume operations as lockdown eases

The government of India to resume railway operations from Tuesday as the country eases its lockdown imposed due to Coronavirus outbreak. The number of cases passed 60,000 with almost 2,000 deaths.

The capital of India, New Delhi will run some 30 train journeys, 15 pairs of return trips to other cities including Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, said Railway of India.

“Indian Railways plans to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12th May, 2020. Thereafter, Indian Railways shall start more special services on new routes,” the railways ministry added in a statement.

“It will be mandatory for the passengers to wear face cover and undergo screening at departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the train.”

World’s most largest rail network, which usually carries 20 million passengers daily, was stopped as country witnessed a strict lockdown to avoid spread of the deadly pandemic.

Whilst the ongoing lockdown situation, some special trains carried up to 1,200 passengers. The step was taken to help the poor community, stranded migrants who didn’t have money to return to their villages after they lost jobs.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday tweeted that up to 300 special trains catering to migrants can run every day.

“I appeal to all the states to give permission to evacuate and bring back their stranded migrants so that we can get all of them back to their homes in the next 3-4 days itself,” he added.

According to media reports, some provinces charged rail tickets which was not affordable by some migrants and small businessmen.

Some tried to walk home on foot, with dozens died during long journeys or accidents, the reports said.