Travelling by Train Check Out the Latest Guidelines

The Indian Railways has released a set of guidelines for travellers amidst the second wave of COVID-19 hitting India. With states implementing different sets of rules, the COVID checklist for train travel has also been modified. This is apart from general guidelines like keeping masks on in railway stations and trains (or pay a fine of Rs500). Also, cooked food will not be served on board trains any more.

If you plan to travel by train in the near future, here are the state-wise rules that you need to keep in mind

Kashmir

All train passengers need to produce a negative RT-PCR test report done within 72 hours of travel.

Delhi

Passengers are required to have a negative RT-PCR test report conducted before 72 hours for those entering from Maharashtra. It is mandatory for these passengers to home quarantine for 14 days and wear masks.

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Uttar Pradesh

It is a must for all train passengers arriving from Maharashtra and Kerala to carry a negative RT-PCR test report conducted before 72 hours of travelling. They must also undergo a 14-day home quarantine. Tests for COVID-19 are being done at railway stations upon arrival for effective contract tracing.

Chhattisgarh

Negative RT-PCR negative reports are mandatory for passengers entering railways. Travellers can also choose to get tested on arrival at railway stations. In case they test positive, they will be quarantined in a local quarantine centre at their own expense.

Chandigarh

The state government has urged all the travellers and passengers to register themselves on the COVA Punjab app if they plan on entering the Union Territory.

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Himachal Pradesh

E-registration has been made mandatory for entering the state. Passengers from Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have to carry an RT-PCR negative report received within 72 hours of the scheduled travel.

Assam

Passengers entering or transiting by trains from Maharashtra or Karnataka will have to undergo testing at railway stations in Assam.

West Bengal

A negative coronavirus (RT-PCR test) report not older than 72 hours has been made mandatory for those travelling to the state by train.

Rajasthan

It is a must for all travellers to carry a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours for those leaving and entering the state by train.

Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has made negative RT-PCR reports compulsory for travellers from Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. Passengers landing at any station will be hand-stamped and home quarantined for 14 days with an additional thermal screening at all railway stations. Those coming in from out-of-station/state trains will not be allowed to travel in local trains. 

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Karnataka 

Passengers travelling by train from Maharashtra, Chandigarh Punjab, and Kerala have to carry a negative RT-PCR report done within 72 hours of travelling.

Kerala 

Passengers will have to carry negative RT-PCR test report or opt for a test at the stations at their own expense. They must undergo mandatory home quarantine for 14 days.