Railways mulls post-lockdown protocols

Officials say the focus will be on routes catering to migrant workers and avoiding hotspots

06/04/2020, PRESS TRUST OF INDIA,NEW DELHI

Amber signal: If it is a selective lifting of lockdown, trains will run only in virus-free areas.SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

From making passengers wear masks to using the Arogya Setu app to check their health status before allowing them to travel and encouraging physical distancing on board are a few proposals that the Railways is mulling over as it prepares to gear for the end of the 21-day lockdown on April 14.

While no decision has yet been taken on when the passenger services will be resumed, officials said it is likely to be done in a phased manner.

A decision, officials said, is likely to be taken in the coming week on how to restore services. The Railways, officials said, had discussed the option of resuming services only on specific approval of each train from the Railway Board. Suggestions for phase-wise resumption of services have to be provided by the zone to the board.

“These are sensitive times and we are not looking in terms of revenue generation for now. The focus is on passenger safety and to ensure that the disease does not spread. Trains will run in due course, once the government gives us the green signal. However, as of now, we have not taken any decision yet,” said a senior officer.

In the zones, officials are also identifying trains and routes which can be resumed with the approval of the board. The focus, say officials, is to see if routes catering to migrant workers can be resumed initially and also those that are not travelling through or had halts at COVID-19 hotspots.

Officials added the Railways also have to factor in how the lockdown is eventually opened. If it is selective, then trains will only run in areas where the lockdown has been lifted, officials said.

Railways is also unlikely to rescind a March 19 order suspending all concessions for passengers except those offered to patients, students and people with disabilities.

Masks, keeping distance

The Railways is mulling options like thermal screening to screen passengers boarding trains.

“We are thinking of requesting passengers to wear masks as per the Health Ministry advisory. We are also thinking of using the Arogya app to check wellness of patients and allow only healthy passengers, an official said. The Railways has also asked zones to ensure the security of coaches parked in depots.