Chidambaram Welcomes Centre's Decision To Operate Inter-state Trains

Former Union Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram hailed the decision of the Modi government to resume operations of inter-state passenger trains. In a tweet, the former Finance Minister said, "we welcome the decision of the government to cautiously start operations of interstate passenger trains." He added that the same modest opening should be started with road transport and air transport.

Chidambaram further observed that the only way economic and commercial activity can effectively begin is to open road, rail and air services for passengers and goods.

The Indian Railways had earlier announced that it would resume services gradually and that 15 trains on various routes had been identified to commence operations from Tuesday. The railways said that bookings will start from on Monday on its IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in at 4.00 pm. Bookings will have to be done only through the IRCTC website or on the mobile app, according to the rail Ministry. Booking of tickets through agents will not be permitted.

The Railways stated that as of now there is no provision for tatkal and premium tatkal reservations. Further, the ticket fare for the Rajdhani trains will be according to the rate of superfast trains with no likely concession in fare.

Tickets will not be sold at counters and only passengers with confirmed train tickets will be allowed to enter railway stations. Further, train tickets will spell out detailed instructions for passengers boarding the trains. Among other things, it will be mandatory for passengers to wear face masks and undergo medical screening for COVID-19 before departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed on board the trains.

Passengers travelling in the air conditioned trains are not likely to be given blankets in the trains and will help to carry their own linen and blankets for their journey. This is to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

The rail ministry further clarified that for now train services will resume on 15 Rajdhani routes and will be fully air-conditioned. They will operate on full capacity unlike the special trains/Shramik Express trains for migrant labourers which were being operated with reduced capacity.