Railway hopeful to run trains after completely clearance of tracks and stations: DRM
Ferozepur, November 12, 2020: The Indian Railways are confident and hopeful to run the goods and passengers trains after the complete vacation of railway tracks and stations by the farmers in Ferozepur rail division. However, certain precautions in view of Corona pandemic and protocol would require to be followed at the commencement of operations, said Divisional Rail Manager, Ferozepur Division, Rajesh Aggarwal.
DRM Rajesh Aggarwal said that after the circumstances arising out of the Corona epidemic, Indian Railways started AC Special Train service across the country from May 12, 2020 and 200 trains from June 1, 2020. To provide convenience to the passengers on the occasion of festivals by the Railway Ministry, 196 pairs of "Festival Special" trains are being operated between October 20 and November 30.
He informed that all special and festival special trains are fully reserved coaches. Therefore, only reserved passengers whose tickets will be confirmed and RAC will be allowed to board the platform to board the train. So passengers must book their seats / berths to travel. Passengers can book tickets through the IRCTC website, ticketing agents, mobile apps and reservation counters.
DRM said, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, after thermal screening only reserved passengers with no symptoms, whose tickets will be confirmed and RAC, will be allowed to travel by train. Passengers must reach the station at least 90 minutes in advance to facilitate screening. Before boarding the train, it will be mandatory to wear masks at the station and in the train during the journey and social distance will also have to be followed. Bed sheets, pillows and blankets will not be given to passengers during the journey. If there is a pantry car in the train, only paid food items and water will be available on payment and it would be better for the passengers to travel with food and drink themselves.
He said, generally, the first reservation chart is issued 4 hours before the train opens, while the second chart is issued 30 minutes before the train opens. Travelers can make their reservation till the final chart is made.
DRM informed that on the commencement of normal rail operations, certain steps will be taken by Ferozepur Division to deal with excessive passenger traffic / congestion due to festivals and to avoid Covid-19. Regarding festival specials and special trains, there will be continuous announcements on display boards and public address system. Additional security personnel will be deployed to control the line arrangement and passengers to avoid additional congestion at the station. Medical assistance will be arranged for the passengers on priority basis. The availability of first aid and first aid boxes will also be ensured in stations and trains. Proper cleanliness will be ensured in stations and trains.
He also informed that due to the agitation started by farmers from September 24, some of the special trains running from Ferozepur division have been canceled and some are being run with partial cancellation admitting that due to on-going agitation, the passengers are facing a lot of trouble.