The Indian Railways issued new COVID-19 recommendations on Saturday (April 17, 2021) to combat the transmission of coronavirus. A commuter can now be charged if they are caught doing two things on the railway property, according to the latest rules.
If a passenger is seen spitting on the train or not wearing a face mask, he or she will be fined up to Rs 500.
“Railways may act immediately for a period of six months before further directions are given in this regard,” the official circular said.
The passenger will be fined under the Indian Railways (Penalties for Actions Impacting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, according to the Ministry of Railways.
The declaration comes on the same day that a new 2.34 lakh COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing India’s active COVID-19 case count to 16.79 lakh. According to the Union Health Ministry, the country’s gross coronavirus caseload has risen to 1.45 crore after 2,34,692 new COVID-19 infections and 1,341 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Suneet Sharma, the chairman of the Railway Board, recently announced that a COVID-19 negative certificate is not needed for train travel. Aside from that, passengers must adhere to the most recent COVID-19 recommendations and protocols provided by the Centre and state governments.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated hygiene concerns, the Indian Railways discontinued cooked food service in trains and replaced it with Ready to Eat (RTE) meals.
COVID-19-related safety products, such as masks, sanitizers, gloves, and so on, as well as takeaway bedroll kits/items, are now available for purchase at stations through Multi-Purpose Stalls.
There are no plans to halt or reduce rail service
Suneet Sharma, Chairman of the Railway Board, recently announced that there are no plans to reduce or discontinue train services. He also told travelers that there are no shortages of trains and that the railways are able to bring them into operation quickly.
“There are no plans to reduce or eliminate rail operation. We will have as many services as are available. There is no need to be concerned. If there is a crowd, we will run trains immediately. This is normal during the summer season, and we have already announced trains to alleviate the congestion “Sharma said.
