Tirupati: Train passengers feel elated as they start journey

Tirupati: It was a train journey with a difference. From the entry point at the station premises till boarding the train and even during journey the passengers would feel something strange. Though 512 passengers who started their journey by train number 02793 Rayalaseema Express which runs from Tirupati to Nizamabad on Monday after a gap of nearly 70 days were feeling elated, they are equally surprised at the modus operandi being followed at the station.

Railways have made fool proof arrangements for the passengers to board the train. They need to wear the mask and reach the station at least 90 minutes before the departure of the train. On their arrival the passengers were first asked to sanitise their hands and their luggage get disinfected. After thermal screening, they were asked to proceed to check-in counters and then allowed to board their respective coaches.

Passengers have expressed satisfaction over the safety measures taken by the railways but expressed their displeasure over allotting all berths without leaving any as part of social distancing. "From Prime Minister everyone talks about social distancing and it has become a mandatory now. Where is it here? Even the middle berths are allotted. RTC is leaving out 30 percent seats from bookings. Railways also should have some concern about this norm", commented a passenger Raveendra.

Only those passengers who booked their ticket in advance were allowed to enter into the station complex. Even those travelling by general compartments also need to book their seat in advance. They need to buy any refreshments or water etc., at the station itself and nothing would be available inside the train during the journey.

The passengers expressed happiness as they could leave to their homes finally. Some of them have come to Tirupati for darshan and held up due to lockdown.

Station Director S Naga Ramana Sarma has said that 565 passengers have booked their tickets to board the train at Tirupati out of which 53 did not turn up. Every passenger was directed to download Aarogya Setu app. Station Manager K Rajendra Prasad, CCI Parameswar Raju, RPF CI Saidaiah, GRP DSP Ramesh Babu, CI P Ramakrishna and others have made all arrangements.