Indian Railways has started the operation of 15 pairs of special trains having only air-conditioned classes connecting various cities with NewDelhi with effect from 12th May onwards. Later 100 pairs of Passenger special trains connecting various cities of the country were put into operation w.e.f. 1st June 2020.
All these services were in addition to the Shramik specials trains for transporting stranded persons, which operated w.e.f. 1st May 2020. It may be mentioned here that, in continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, all regular passenger carrying trains coming towards N.F. Railway and originating from N.F. Railway were cancelled w.e.f. 22nd March 2020. While the Shramik Special trains helped the stranded persons in various parts of the country due to lockdown to move to their respective native places, the introduction of special passenger train services enabled passengers 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. The data available of various special trains which are originating from NFR for the last month shows that most of the trains are having full occupancy.
To mention a few of them :
1) 02423 Dibrugarh – New Delhi Rajdhani special is running on 98% occupancy
2) 05955 Dibrugarh – Delhi Brahmaputra Mail special is running on full occupancy
3) 05483 Alipurduar Jn – Delhi Mahananda special is running on full occupancy
4) 05646Guwahati – LTT special is running on full occupancy
5) 02501 Agartala – New Delhi Rajdhani special is also running on full occupancy
6) 02407 New Jalpaiguri – Amritsar Karmabhumi special is also running on full occupancy
7) 02378 New Alipurduar -Sealdah Padatik special is having an occupancy of nearly 81%.
From the above facts it is clear that passengers are now feeling confident to undertake rail travel in between various cities of the country in view of the safety measures taken by the railways. However, railways would like to request passengers to undertake rail travel only if it is absolutely essential, to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
