Indian Railways has started the operation of 100 pairs of Passenger special trains w.e.f. 1st June 2020 connecting various cities of the country. Prior to that 15 pairs of special trains having only air-conditioned classes were also put into service from 12th May onwards connecting various cities with New Delhi.
All these services are in addition to the Shramik specials trains for transporting stranded persons, which are under operation w.e.f. 1st May 2020It may be mentioned here that, in continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, all passenger carrying trains coming towards N.F. Railway and originating from N.F. Railway were cancelled w.e.f. 22nd March 2020.
However with the introduction of Shramik Special trains from 1st March, 2020, stranded persons in various parts of the country due to lockdown could move to their respective native places. Till date more than 60 lakh persons have reached their native places all over India in this Shramik Special trains. Now, graded introduction of normal passenger train services are bringing the confidence of passengers back to undertake essential travels as the economic activities are gradually opening up in the country.
Railway is taking various precautionary measures for the safety of passengers by adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. Railway is also spreading awareness among its passengers about the Dos and Don’ts to be followed during rail travel.If the data available of various trains which are running are analysed for the last one week, it is seen that most of the trains running within NFR are having occupancy of more than 90%.
To mention a few of them;
1) the occupancy of 02424 New Delhi –Dibrugarh special is have about 97% occupancy,
2) 05955 Dibrugarh – Delhi special is having an occupancy of more than 98%,
3) 02377 Sealdah – New Alipurduar special is having an occupancy of nearly 98%,
4) 05483 Alipurduar Jn – Delhi special is having occupancy of more than 92%,
5) 05956 Delhi – Dibrugarh special is having an occupancy of nearly 98%,
6) 05484 Delhi – Alipurduar Jn special is also having an occupancy of more than 98%,
7) 02408 Amritsar – New Jalpaiguri special was also had an occupancy of nearly 98%
8) 02378 New Alipurduar – Sealdah special is having an occupancy of more than 62%.
From the above facts it is clear that passengers are now feeling confident to undertake rail travel in between various cities of the country. However, railways would like to request passengers to undertake rail travel only if it is absolutely essential to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID19.
