Know the state-wise pandemic guidelines, says Indian Railways

With a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, many state administrations are not only re-introducing containment measures such as weekend lockdowns, night curfews, etc. but also issuing travel guidelines for those coming from another state. Many insist on COVID-19 negative test reports obtained within a specified period before the journey (usually 72 hours).

According to a recent guideline issued by Rajasthan, people arriving from Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala by train must possess a negative RT-PCR certificate not older than 72 hours. According to the order, passengers without the negative certificate must not board trains headed for Rajasthan.

According to a note on the IRCTC website, all passengers travelling to Odisha, from anywhere by train, must have an RT-PCR negative test report of maximum 72 hours before the start of journey or a second dose vaccination certificate.&nbspAll passenger carrying trains, local or mail/express, coming from Chattisgarh (originating/passing through) to Odisha may be cancelled with effect from April 10, 2021.

The Indian Railways therefore has been warning passengers travelling inter-state to update themselves about the guidelines issued by the various state governments. Travellers may not only be inconvenienced if they are not aware of the latest guidelines issued by the state they are visiting but also denied from boarding the train.

In a Twitter message in mid-March, they requested passengers &lsquoto read the health advisory guidelines issued by different states before commencement of their journey to these states&rsquo.

As a pandemic preventive measure, the Indian Railways is also conducting awareness campaigns as well as holding routine thermal checks on trains, insisting on wearing masks and maintaining distance.