Coronavirus : Railways Arrangements

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CORONA VIRUS : RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS
CORONA VIRUS : RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS

Coronavirus : Railways Arrangements

Indian Railways takes comprehensive measures for prevention of Corona Virus (COVID-19) infection. Details are following.

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Unlock 4.0

Special Trains ~ Safety Protocols as prescribed by MHA Guidelines

All Safety Protocols as prescribed by MHA Guidelines shall be followed.

  • All passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to enter /board the train.
  • Passengers travelling by these special services will observe the following precautions :
    • Only passengers with Confirmed tickets shall be allowed to enter the Railway station.
    • All passengers shall be wearing face covers/masks at the entry and during travel.
    • The passengers shall reach the station at-least 90 minutes in advance to facilitate thermal screening at the station. Only passengers who are found asymptomatic will be permitted to travel.
    • Passengers shall observe social distancing both at the station and on trains.
    • All passengers are advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu application.
  • No Linen, blankets and curtains shall be provided inside the train. Passengers are advised to carry their own linen for the travel. The temperature inside AC coaches shall be suitably regulated for this purpose.

Delhi Metro will Resume it’s Services

Delhi Metro decided to resume it’s Services from 7th September 2020. Further details are attached.

Unlock 3.0

Train Updates ~ 10.08.2020

Ministry of Railway announced on 10.08.2020 that some section of media is reporting that Railways has cancelled all regular trains till 30th September. This is not correct. No new circular has been issued by Ministry of Railways. Special Mail Express trains shall continue to run.

Unlock 2.0

Covid-19 : Stoppage Of Trains In Odisha’s Ganjam District Withdrawn

With the increase of COVID-19 positive cases in Odisha’s Ganjam district, the State government requested East Coast Railway (ECoR) not to permit any boarding/alighting of passengers of any train in the district and Balugaon from July 9. Subsequently, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cancelled one pair of trains and has withdrawn the stoppages of trains in Ganjam district following the request of the state government. The Ganjam district administration has sealed the roads bodering Khordha and Nayagarh districts.

Cancellation of train

  • Train Nos.08437/08438 Bhubaneswar-Brahmapur-Bhubaneswar Tri-weekly Special from Bhubaneswar w.e.f. 8th July and from Brahmapur w.e.f. 9th July, 2020 will remain cancelled.

Withdrawal of stoppages

  • Stoppage of Train Nos.01020/01019 Bhubaneswar-Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai-Bhubaneswar Special at Balugaon, Chhatrapur & Brahmapur from both the directions have been withdrawn till further advice with effect from 9th July, 2020. Stoppage of Train Nos. 02703/02704 Howrah-Secunderabad-Howrah Special Express at Balugaon and Berhampur has also been withdrawn with effect from 9th July, 2020 from both the directions.

PRS Centres in Chennai Lockdown Areas Closed – 01.07.2020 to 05.07.2020

Southern Railway announced that in view of extension of complete Lockdown in Chennai area as announced by the State Government from 1st July to 5th July 2020, all the PRS (Passenger Reservation System) Locations falling under the Lockdown area in Chennai and certain parts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur Districts falling under Chennai lockdown area will be kept closed from 1st July to 5th July 2020.

Passengers can obtain refund after 5th July, 2020 or as and when notified depending upon local conditions. Refunds can be obtained upto 6 months from the date of journey.

Unlock 1.0

Railway Covid Kits

South Eastern Railway’s Updates

Masks, Gloves, Sanitisers and Bedroll kits will now be sold at stalls run by private contractors at Platforms, railway officials said on Thursday, 25.06.2020. They have to be sold at MRP.

Services of Regular Time Tabled Trains Cancelled till August,12, 2020

  • Regular Train services cancelled till August 12, 2020.
  • Special Trains will continue the services.
  • Ticket booked for the regular trains in these periods stand cancelled and full refund will be granted. 

Eastern Railway Revised Arrival and Departure Time

Eastern Railway announced that Arrival and departure time of some special trains at terminal stations will be revised over Eastern Railway w.e.f. 16.6.2020 as under:-

  • Train No.02301 UP Howrah – New Delhi AC special train will leave Howrah at 16.45 hrs. instead of 17.05 hrs.
  • Train No.02302 DN New Delhi – Howrah AC special train will arrive Howrah at 10.30 hrs. instead of 10.05 hrs.
  • Train No.02303 UP Howrah – New Delhi (via Patna) special train will leave Howrah at 7.45 hrs. instead of 8.00 hrs.
  • Train No.02304 DN New Delhi – Howrah (via Patna) special train will arrive Howrah at 17.30 hrs. instead of 17.15 hrs.
  • Train No.02381 UP Howrah – New Delhi (via Gaya) special train will leave Howrah at 8.00 hrs. instead of 8.15 hrs.
  • Train No.02382 DN New Delhi – Howrah (via Gaya) special train will arrive Howrah at17.30 hrs. instead of 17.15 hrs.
  • Train No.02023 UP Howrah – Patna special train will leave Howrah at 14.35 hrs. instead of 14.45 hrs.
  • Train No.02024 DN Patna – Howrah special train will arrive Howrah at 13.35 hrs. instead of 13.25 hrs.
  • Train No.02307 UP Howrah – Jodhpur special train will leave Howrah at 23.25 hrs. instead of 23.40 hrs.
  • Train No.02308 DN Jodhpur – Howrah special train will arrive Howrah at 4.30 hrs. instead of 4.15 hrs.
  • Train No.02377 UP Sealdah – New Alipurduar special train will leave Sealdah at 23.00 hrs. instead of 23.20 hrs.
  • Train No.02378 DN New Alipurduar – Sealdah special train will arrive Sealdah at 7.05 hrs. instead of 6.45 hrs.

Stoppage time of the above trains at intermediate stations will remain unchanged.

Intra-State Train services in Odisha

Withdrawal of Few Stoppages of Special Trains

As per request of the concerned State Governments few stoppages of following special trains will be withdrawn for the trains commencing journey w.e.f. 4.6.2020 as under:

Train No. & particularsFrequencyName of stations where stoppages are to be withdrawn
02357/02358 Kolkata-Amritsar-Kolkata Special trainBi-weeklyParasnath 
02307/02308 Howrah-Jodhpur-Howrah Special trainDailyParasnath, Koderma 
02381/02382 Howrah-New Delhi-Howrah Special(via Gaya) trainTri-weeklyBarddhaman, Parasnath, Koderma
02303/02304 Howrah-New Delhi-Howrah Special(via Patna) train4 days a weekDurgapur, Chittaranjan, Madhupur 
02023/02024 Howrah-Patna-Howrah Special train6 days a weekChittaranjan, Madhupur 
05955/05956 Delhi-Dibrugarh-Delhi Special trainDailyBarharwa, Falakata, Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Farakka 
08183/08184 Tata-Danapur-Tata Special trainDailyBarabhum, Joychandi Pahar, Burnpur, Chittaranjan 
05645/05646 Lokmanya Tilak – Guwahati-Lokmanya Tilak Special trainBi-weeklyDhupguri 

Updated – 14.06.2020

Robot Captain Arjun By Railway

Central Railway announced that Pune Division of Central Railway launched a robot ‘Captain Arjun’, a device for enhancing safety of passengers. Preventing spread of COVID-19, device is equipped with

  • Sensor-Based Sanitiser
  • Sensor-Based mask dispenser
  • Floor Sanitiser
  • Thermal Screening and surveillance

NR Change in the Terminal

Change in the Terminal of 02957/02958 Rajdhani Special from Sabarmati to Ahmedabad…

State Wise Advisory on Arrival

Central Govt has issued guidelines for domestic passengers to ensure a safe & comfortable journey amid the pandemic. Additionally, each state has also issued guidelines to be adhered by passengers arriving in the particular state. Read Guidelines Here:

State-wise Advisory

✅ Advisory

State-wise Advisory
On Arrival Advisory of Karnataka
On Arrival Advisory of Odisha
On Arrival Advisory of Tamil Nadu
On Arrival Advisory of Jammu and Kashmir
On Arrival Advisory of Punjab
On Arrival Advisory of Jharkhand
On Arrival Advisory of NCT of Delhi
On Arrival Advisory of Gujarat
On Arrival Advisory of Maharashtra
On Arrival Advisory of Rajasthan
On Arrival Advisory of Goa
On Arrival Advisory of Chattisgarh
On Arrival Advisory of Madhya Pradesh
On Arrival Advisory of Kerala
On Arrival Advisory of Bihar
On Arrival Advisory of Himachal Pradesh
On Arrival Advisory of Uttar Pradesh
On Arrival Advisory of Haryana
On Arrival Advisory of Uttarakhand
On Arrival Advisory of Andhra Pradesh
On Arrival Advisory of Nagaland
On Arrival Advisory of West Bengal
On Arrival Advisory of Assam
On Arrival Advisory of Chandigarh
On Arrival Advisory of Telangana

Entry / Exit / Intra State Travel Details

East Coast Railway :- No Intra-State movement by train allowed in Andhra Pradesh state. Passengers in Visakhapatnam-Rajamundhry-Vijayawada circuit to kindly take note.

NR :- Entry and Exit plan for passengers at Hazrat Nizamudin, Delhi Jn. and New Delhi Railway stations

Guidelines to Special Trains Passengers from 01.06.2020 ~ Updated 31.05.2020

Limited train operations will commence with special train services being scheduled to run between various destinations from 1st June, 2020. Keeping in view, the steps being taken to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus, rail passengers intending to travel by these special train services are advised to adhere to the following: (SCR Press Release)

  • Rail passengers travelling by special trains should reach their boarding railway station atleast 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
  • Passengers are requested to travel with minimal / light luggage for added convenience, since availability of railway licensed porters will be minimal.
  • Passengers shall not board the trains without an authorized journey ticket. Checks will be conducted to ensure that no unauthorized person enters the railway station premises or boards the trains.
  • To the extent possible, separate entry and exit gates will be ear marked at railway stations and passengers may accordingly make use of the same for smooth movement.
  • Rail passengers have to mandatorily undergo thermal screening at the railway stations, towards which they shall co-operate. o­nly passengers who are found asymptomatic will be permitted to travel.
  • During screening, if a passenger is found to be symptomatic of Covid-19 virus, they shall not be allowed to travel. In such case, full refund of ticket fare will be provided to passengers.
  • Persons with co-morbidities (for example – hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiency conditions), pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years and persons above 65 years of age may avoid travel, except if it is essential.
  • Rail passengers are provided with Sanitizers for use at entry and exit points of railway stations. They shall also make use of face masks without fail during the entire journey
  • Railway staff including ticket checking personnel will be available o­n board the special trains and in case of any need / emergency, passengers can approach them for redressal / remedial action.
  • Frequent cleaning / sanitizing of passenger utility areas like waiting halls, toilets and concourse etc will be undertaken by railways. Passengers are requested to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, so as to enable best upkeep of the railway station premises & trains.
  • No Linen / Blankets etc., will be provided inside the trains and passengers are requested to make their own arrangements.
  • Passengers are encouraged to carry their own food and drinking water. Catering and Vending units at stations will remain open. In case of food plaza and refreshment rooms etc., cooked items will be served as take away o­nly, with no sit-down eating arrangements in place.
  • All passengers shall download and use the Aarogya Setu App.
  • No unreserved tickets will be issued for these special trains.
  • All traveling passengers shall note that o­n arrival at their destination, they will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the Destination State / Union Territory. State Government advisories in this regard can be accessed o­n the website of either IRCTC (www.irctc.co.in) or the concerned State Governments

COVID-19 New Guidelines by MHA

  • New Guidelines to fight COVID-19 to be effective from 1st June 2020
  • Strict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones, which are to be demarcated by State/ UT Governments based on Health Ministry guidelines
  • Phased re-opening of all activities outside Containment Zones; Unlock 1 to have an Economic focus
  • Night Curfew to remain in force on movement of individuals for all non-essential activities from 9 pm to 5 am

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines to fight COVID-19 and for phased re-opening of areas outside the Containment Zones, today (30.05.2020), via Press release. The guidelines would come into effect from June 1, 2020 and would be effective till June 30, 2020. The current phase of re-opening, Unlock 1, will have an economic focus. The new guidelines have been issued based on extensive consultations held with States and UTs.

A strict lockdown was imposed throughout the country since March 24, 2020. All activities were prohibited except essential activities. Subsequently, in a graded manner and keeping the overarching objective of containing the spread of COVID-19 in view, the lockdown measures have been relaxed.

Salient features of the new guidelines

Lockdown measures would continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones. These will be demarcated by the State/ UT Governments, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry. Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.

All activities that were prohibited earlier would be opened up in areas outside Containment Zones in a phased manner, with the stipulation of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to be prescribed by the Health Ministry:

Phase I (permitted to open from June 8, 2020)

  • Religious places and places of worship for public;
  • Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and
  • Shopping malls.

Health Ministry would issue SOPs for the above activities, in consultation with the Central Ministries/ Departments concerned and other stakeholders, for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Phase II

  • Schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc., will be opened after consultations with States and UTs. State Governments/ UT administrations are being advised to hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July, 2020. MoHFW will prepare SOP for these institutions.

Limited number of activities to remain prohibited throughout the country

  • International air travel of passengers;
  • Operation of Metro Rail
  • Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places; and, Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions/ and other large congregations.
  • Dates for the opening of above activities would be decided in Phase III, based on assessment of the situation.

Unrestricted Movement of Persons and Goods

  • No restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit would be required for such movements.
  • However, if a State/ UT, based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, proposes to regulate movement of persons, it would give wide publicity in advance regarding the restrictions to be placed on such movement, and the related procedures to be followed.
  • Night curfew would continue to remain in force, on the movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities. However, the revised timings of the curfew will be from 9 pm to 5 am.
  • National Directives for COVID-19 management would continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing.
  • States to decide on activities outside Containment Zones : States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the Containment zones or impose such restrictions, as deemed necessary.
  • Protection for vulnerable persons : Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
  • Use of Aarogya Setu : The Aarogya Setu mobile application is a powerful tool built by Government of India to facilitate quick identification of persons infected by COVID-19, or at risk of being infected, thus acting as a shield for individuals and the community. With a view to ensure safety, various authorities are advised to encourage the use of the application.

MHA Guidelines ~ Download

Lockdown 4.0

Advance Reservation Period Increased ~ Updated 28.05.2020

  • Indian Railways modifies instructions for 30 Special Rajdhani type train and 200 Special Mail Exp trains (total 230 trains) running with effect from 12.05.2020 and 01.06.2020 respectively
  • Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the advance reservation period (ARP) of all Specials notified from 30 days to 120 days
  • Booking of Parcel and luggage shall be permitted in all these 230 trains
  • The above changes shall be implemented with effect from 08:00 hrs of train booking date of 31st May 2020 onwards.

Indian Railways has modified instructions for 30 special Rajdhani type trains started w.e.f. 12.05.2020 and 200 Special Mail Express to be introduced w.e.f. 01.06.2020 (total 230 trains). Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the advance reservation period (ARP) of all Specials notified from 30 days to 120 days. Booking of Parcel and luggage shall be permitted in all these 230 trains. Railway announced via Press release on 28.05.2020. The above changes shall be implemented with effect from 08:00 hrs of train booking date of 31st May 2020 onwards. Other terms e.g., Current booking, Tatkal quota allocation of seats to road side stations etc to be same as in regular time tabled trains. These instructions can also be viewed on the Indian Railways website-www.indianrailways.gov.in under the head commercial circulars in Traffic Commercial Directorate.

Shramik Special Trains Updates ~ Updated 27.05.2020

  • Over 3500 Shramik special trains have been originated till now by Indian Railways carrying more than 48 lac passengers. Nearly 80% of total Shramik trains are destined for various destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
  • Most of the destinations in U.P. are around Lucknow & Gorakhpur and in Bihar around Patna. Convergence of trains to these destinations caused some congestion in a particular section of the network.
  • Trains originating from Maharashtra & Gujarat and going to UP and Bihar are mainly taking following routes
  • Khandwa-Itarsi-Jabalpur-Manikpur- Prayagraj
  • Ratlam-Mathura-Palwal-Ghaziabad- Moradabad-Lucknow
  • Ratlam- Kota-Bayana-Agra-Kanpur
  • Ratlam-Nagda-Bhopal-Jhansi-Kanpur
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Revised Terms and conditions of booking of tickets for 15 pairs of Special Trains

  • The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days
  • The change shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2020 and for train starting date of 31st May 2020 onwards

Indian Railways is presently running fifteen pairs of special Trains with effect from 12.05.20. For the convenience of the passengers, it has now been decided to revise certain terms and conditions of these 15 pairs of special trains as under, (Railway announced via Press release on 22.05.2020) :

  • The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days.
  • There shall be no Tatkal booking in these trains.
  • RAC/Waiting list tickets will be issued in these trains as per extant instructions applicable. However waitlisted passengers will not be allowed to board these trains as per extant instructions.
  • First chart shall be prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure and second chart shall be prepared at least 2 hours (unlike earlier practice of 30 minutes) before scheduled departure. Current booking shall be permitted in between first and second chart.
  • Booking of tickets shall be permissible through computerized PRS counters including Post Offices, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra(YTSK) licensees etc, as well as through on-line booking including authorized agents of Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) and Common Service Centres.
  • The above shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2020 and for train starting date of 31st May 2020 onwards.

Train Ticket Booking via Reservation Counters and Booking via CSCs and Agents Started from 22.05.2020

  • Indian Railways green lights re-opening of reservation counters & booking through Common Service Centers (CSCs) and Agents.
  • Zonal Railways have been instructed to decide and notify the opening of reservation counters in a phased manner tomorrow along with dissemination of information about their locations and timings as per local needs and conditions
  • Opening of booking centers will mark an important step in graded restoration of passenger railway services

Indian Railways is going to open reservation counters for booking of reserved tickets in a phased manner. Zonal Railways have been instructed to decide and notify opening of reservation counters as per local needs and conditions. These reservation counters will open from tomorrow in a phased manner, along with dissemination of information about their respective locations and timings as per the local needs and conditions. Indian Railways has also allowed booking of Reservation Tickets through the Common Service Centers and Ticketing agents w.e.f tomorrow.

It may be noted that running of Shramik Special trains will continue to be handled by local State Governments as per the existing protocols. Opening of all these booking facilities once again will mark an important step in the graded restoration of passenger railway services and making the task of ticket booking easy for all prospective travelers from all parts of India in reserved trains. Zonal railways may adhere to standard social distancing guidelines and observe the hygiene protocols in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, with effect from 22.05.2020 Indian Railways has also allowed the facility of booking/cancellation of reserved tickets through the Common Service Centers, Ticketing agents, Post Offices, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) licensees etc. and through authorized agents of Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) along with computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters of Indian Railways available in railway premises/reservation centers.

List Reservation (PRS) Counters (Re-Opened)

Indian Railway announced that Railway will gradually reopen the Reservation Counters in the Railway stations, here are the zone wise list of Re-opened Reservation Counters.

Northern Railway

Northern Railway has made its 137 PRS Locations operational for rail journey reservation today. The passengers may book tickets from any of the nearest PRS counter.

Northern Railway PRS Counter List
Northern Railway PRS Counter List
Central Raliway

Limited Reservation (PRS) counters will be opened from 22.5.2020 onwards. The list will be shared shortly. Counter ticket refunds will be dealt from 25.5.2020 onwards. Central Railway appeals to the rail users to follow social distancing norms for safety.

Western Railway

PRS counters at Andheri, Borivali and VAPI will be operated w.e.f 27.05.2020.

Passenger Reservation Offices at 31 stations of WR will be opened from 22nd May, 2020 following all norms of social distancing & hygiene protocol. Pls note that Only reserved tickets will be issued and No refund will be done for the time being.

Southern Railway

In order to facilitate booking of tickets in Special trains which are in service now and in special trains scheduled to run from 1st of June, Reservation counter will be open from tomorrow (22-5-2020) from 08:00 A.M at Dr.MGR Chennai Central, Trivandrum, Ernakulam jn, Kozhikode and Mangalore jn with minimum 2 counters. Of this two counters, o­ne will be open for issuing of tickets against cash/cards o­nly and the other counter will be dedicated for concessions, Passes and vouchers, etc.

Persons visiting the reservation counters at these locations are advised to follow all health advisories such as wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing while waiting at the queue. This shall be enforced strictly. Railway administration has arranged for proper sanitization of the precincts of reservation counter and sanitizer dispenser will be provided at the entry point to the reservation counter.

In order to keep the crowd minimal and to ensure social distancing and also considering the extended time limit of six months from date of journey for claiming refund for PRS tickets booked for journey from 21st March, 2020 o­nwards, no refund shall be paid as of now at these reservation counters. The dates for these refunds of trains cancelled o­n Covid19 account will be intimated shortly.

South Central Railway

Reservation counters at 73 station will be immediately opened starting 22.05.2020. Booking of Reservation Tickets through the Ticketing agents, Post Offices, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) licensees etc.  have also been allowed starting 22.05.2020, Starting tomorrow, the following Reservation counters at 73 stations will be opened immediately from 22.05.2020 across the Zone:


 
Telangana (Total 18 Stations):

Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Kacheguda, Vikarabad, Tandur, Kazipet, Peddapalli, Mancheriyal, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Mahabubabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Kama Reddi, Nizamabad, Ramannapet, Mahabubnagar, Krishna.

Andhra Pradesh (Total 44 stations):

Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Renigunta , Kurnool Piduguralla, Nambur, Mangalagiri, Gudur, Nellore, o­ngole, Krishna Canal, Eluru, Nidadavolu, Rajamundry, Samalkot, Tadepalligudem, Anaparti, Pittapuram, Annavaram, Tuni, Naripatnam Road, Yellamanchalli, Anakapalle, Rayanapadu, Kondapalli, Chittoor, Koduru, Obulavaripalle, Pullampet, Rajampeta, Nandaluru, Kadapa, Kamalapuram, Yerraguntla, Muddanuru, Kondapuram, Tadipatri, Gooty, Guntakal, Adoni, Mantralayam Road, Anantapur, Dharmavaram.

Maharashtra (Total 06 stations):

Nanded, Purna, Parbhani, Selu, Jalna, Aurangabad.

Karnataka (Total 05 stations):

Sedum, Raichur, Saidapur, Nalwar, Yadgir.

Guidelines for Train Services beginning on 1st June 2020

Ministry of Railways announced via press release on 20.05.2020 that (MoR) in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has decided that train services on Indian Railways shall be further partially restored w.e.f. from 01st June 2020.

Highlights

  • Graded Restoration of Train services .
  • Move to help migrants as well who wish to travel other than Shramik Trains.
  • These rules are for trains other than Shramik trains, which will continue to run in bigger numbers.
  • 100 pairs of Trains listed.
  • Norms made for Booking of Tickets & Charting, Quota, Concessions, Cancellation & Refunds, Health Screening, Catering, Linen etc
  • Booking of all these trains will commence from 10 am on 21/05/20.
  • Other regular Passenger services including all mail/express, passenger and suburban services shall remain cancelled until further advice.
  • There will be no unreserved coach in the train.
  • Fare shall be as normal and for General (GS) coaches, being reserved, second seating(2S) fare shall be charged and seat will be provided to all the passengers.
  • Only online E-Ticketing will be done through IRCTC website or through Mobile App. No tickets will be booked across the reservation counter on any Railway Station.
  • The ARP (advance reservation period) shall be maximum 30 days.
  • Only passengers with Confirmed tickets shall be allowed to enter the Railway station.
  • Screening to be done before boarding and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to enter /board the train.
  • Concessions for four categories of Divyangjan concession and 11 categories of patient concessions are permitted in these special trains.
  • On arrival at their destination, the travelling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state/UT
  • No Linen, blankets and curtains shall be provided inside the train.

Detailed Guidelines for Train Services beginning on 1st June 2020

Indian Railways will start operations of 200 passenger services. These trains shall run from 1/6/2020 and booking of all these trains will commence from 10 am on 21/05/20. These special services shall be in addition to the existing Shramik special trains being run since 01st May and Special AC trains (30 trains) being run since 12th May 2020. Other regular Passenger services including all mail/express, passenger and suburban services shall remain cancelled until further advice.

Train Type: Special trains on the pattern of Regular Trains

These will be fully reserved trains having both AC & Non AC classes. General (GS) coaches shall also have reserved seat for sitting. There will be no unreserved coach in the train. Fare shall be as normal and for General (GS) coaches, being reserved, second seating(2S) fare shall be charged and seat will be provided to all the passengers.

Booking of Tickets & Charting:

  • Only online E-Ticketing will be done through IRCTC website or through Mobile App. No tickets will be booked across the reservation counter on any Railway Station. Booking of tickets through ‘agents’, (both IRCTC Agents and Railway Agents) shall not be permitted.
  • The ARP (advance reservation period) shall be maximum 30 days.
  • RAC and Wait list will be generated as per extant rules however waiting list ticket holders shall not be permitted to board the train.
  • No unreserved (UTS) tickets will be issued and no tickets will be issued onboard to any passenger during the journey.
  • No tatkal and premium tatkal booking shall be permitted in these trains.
  • First chart shall be prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure and second chart shall be prepared at least 2 hours((unlike present practice of 30 minutes) before scheduled departure. Only online current booking shall be permitted in between first and second chart preparation.
  • All passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to enter /board the train.
  • Passengers travelling by these special services will observe the following precautions :
    • Only passengers with Confirmed tickets shall be allowed to enter the Railway station.
    • All passengers must wear face covers/masks at the entry and during travel.
    • The passengers shall reach the station at-least 90 minutes in advance to facilitate thermal screening at the station. Only passengers who are found asymptomatic will be permitted to travel.
    • Passengers shall observe social distancing both at the station and on trains.
    • On arrival at their destination, the travelling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state/UT

Quota Permitted: All quotas shall be permitted in these special trains as has been permitted in Regular trains. Limited number of reservation (PRS) counters shall be operated for this purpose. However, normal ticket booking cannot be done through these counters.

Concessions: Only four categories of Divyangjan concession and 11 categories of patient concessions are permitted in these special trains..

Cancellation and Refund rule: Railway Passengers Cancellation of Ticket and Refund of Fare Rules, 2015 shall be applicable.

In addition following instructions already issued regarding Refund of fare in case passenger is not found fit for travelling due to symptoms of Corona shall remain applicable. As per MHA guidelines all passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers shall be allowed to enter/board the train.

If during screening a passenger has very high temperature/symptoms of Covid-19 etc., he shall not be allowed to travel despite having confirmed tickets. In such case full refund shall be provided to passenger as under:-

  • On PNR having single passenger.
  • On a party ticket if one passenger is found unfit to travel and also all other passengers on the same PNR do not want to travel in that case full refund shall be granted for all passengers.
  • On a party ticket if one passenger is found unfit to travel however other passengers on the PNR want to travel in that case full refund of fare shall be granted to passenger who was not allowed to travel.

For all the above cases, TTE certificates as per extant practice shall be issued to the passenger at the entry/checking/screening point itself mentioning “Number of passengers not travelled due to symptoms of Covid 19 in one or more passengers”

After getting TTE certificates, online TDR shall be filed for refund of not travelled passengers, within 10 days from the date of journey and the original TTE certificate issued shall be sent by the passenger to IRCTC as per extant provision and full fare for the part passenger/full who have not travelled shall be refunded by IRCTC in the customer’s account. How to File TDR

For the above purpose, CRIS and IRCTC shall make necessary changes for filing of TDR for non-travelling passengers due to covid-19 symptoms. One option ‘part/full passenger not allowed to travel by Railways due to very high temperature/covid-19 symptoms’ will be available.

Catering: No catering charges shall be included in the fare.

  • Provision for pre paid meal booking, e-catering shall be disabled. However, IRCTC shall make provision for limited eatables and packaged drinking water on payment basis only in limited trains, having Pantry car attached. Information to this effect shall be made available to passengers during time of booking ticket.
  • Passengers are encouraged to carry their own food and drinking water.
  • All static catering and vending units (Multi Purpose stalls, Bookstalls, Misc./Chemist stalls etc) at Railway stations will remain open. In case of Food Plaza and Refreshments rooms etc, cooked items may be served as take away only with no sit-down eating arrangements in place.

Linen and Blanket: No Linen, blankets and curtains shall be provided inside the train.

  • Passengers are advised to carry their own linen for the travel. The temperature inside AC coaches shall be suitably regulated for this purpose.

Entry and Exit Gates : Zonal Railways have been instructed to ensure that there are separate entry and exit gates at Railway stations to the extent feasible so that there is no face to face movement of passengers. Zonal railways will be guided by standard social distancing guidelines on stations and trains and observe the safety, security and hygiene protocols.

Other Information

  • All passengers must download and use the Aarogya Setu application. Passengers are advised to travel light.
  • As per MHA guidelines the movement of the passenger(s) as well as the driver of the vehicle transporting the passenger(s) to and fro the Railway Station shall be allowed on the basis of the confirmed e-ticket.

List of 100 pairs of Trains from 1st June, 2020

Updated : 19.05.2020

Shramik Special Trains Arrangements

DMRC Updates

Lockdown 3.0

irctchelp new post

Ministry of Home Affairs issues Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate Movement of Persons by Train 11.05.2020

Indian Railways has decided for the gradual resumption of passenger train services but existing Shramik special trains will continue to run as per current system on the request of the concerned state governments.

Ministry of Home Affairs issues Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate Movement of Persons by Train

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate movement of persons by train.

Movement of passengers to and fro and entry at the railway station would be permitted only on confirmed e-ticket. There would be compulsory medical screening of all passengers. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to board the train. During the travel and at the railway stations, Strict adherence to Health/hygiene protocols and social distancing.

All passengers would be provided with hand sanitizer at entry and exit points at station and in coaches. Further, it would be ensured that all passengers wear face covers/ masks at entry and during travel. On arrival at their destination, the traveling passengers would have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State/ UT.

Movement of trains shall be permitted by Ministry of Railways (MoR), in a graded manner, in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and MHA.

Ministry of Home Affairs issues Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate Movement of Persons by Train

✅ Restart of Passenger Services from 12.05.2020/ Booking will start on 11.05.2020 / Special Trains / General Condition to Travel Details

Gradual Resumption of Select Passenger Services by Indian Railways

Indian Railway announced that Railways plans to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12th May, 2020, Railway announced on 10.05.2020 via press release, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys).

Special Trains Details

These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi Station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi.

Thereafter, Indian Railways shall start more special services on new routes, based on the available coaches after reserving 20,000 coaches for COVID-19 care centres and adequate number of coaches being reserved to enable operation of up to 300 trains everyday as “Shramik Special” for stranded migrants.

Booking of Tickets

Booking for reservation in these trains will start at 4 pm on 11th May and will be available only on the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/). Ticket booking counters at the railway stations shall remain closed and no counter tickets (including platform tickets) shall be issued. Only passengers with valid confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the railway stations. It will be mandatory for the passengers to wear face cover and undergo screening at departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the train. Further details including train schedule will be issued separately in due course.

General Condition to Travel

  • Only online Ticket Booking is allowed
  • Railway won’t allow ticket less Passengers to enter the Station.
  • Passengers should wear Mask.
  • Passengers should keep social distancing.
  • There will be a check up before departure of the train
  • Those who have any symptoms of Covid 19, won’t allow to travel.

Train Starting Date Extended

✅ Extended cancellation of passenger Train Services*

Indian Railway announced that ✅ cancellation of all passenger trains including suburban trains are extended till 17th May 2020. Therefore no one should come to Railway Station.

✅ Golden Chariot Train

IRCTC announced that in line with government guidelines for safety & welfare of our guests, IRCTC has decided to Cancel all the last 3 Departures of Golden Chariot for season 2019 -20. The guests have an option to reschedule their trips to next seasons: 2020-21 and 2021-22 or ask for full refund without any cancellation charges. This cancellation is to mitigate The spread of the Covid-19. For any further clarifications, you may contact us: Mobile No: +91 8595931021 Email: goldenchariot@irctc.com

✅ Maharajas’ Express Train

IRCTC announced that in line with government guidelines for safety & welfare of our guests, IRCTC has decided to Cancel all the last 4 Departures of Maharajas’ Express. The guests have an option to reschedule their trips to next seasons: 2020-21 and 2021-22 or ask for full refund without any cancellation charges. This cancellation is to mitigate The spread of the Covid-19. For any further clarifications, you may contact us: Mobile No: +91 9717635915 Email: maharajas@irctc.com.

✅ Parcel Special Trains

Due to extension in lockdown, the services of following ✅Parcel special trains are extended as shown in attached table. Parcel loaders, aggregators and e-commerce companies desirous to send essential commodities may avail this opportunity.

✅ Shramik Special Trains

Due to extension in lockdown, cancellation of all passenger train services, except ✅ Shramik Special Trains, on Indian Railways is extended till 17th May 2020

Lockdown 3.0 : Extended cancellation of passenger Train Services
Lockdown 3.0 : Extended cancellation of passenger Train Services

Further Updates

  • A limited number of actives will remain prohibited throughout the county, irrespective of Zone.
  • Travel by ✅ air, Rail, Metro and Inter – state movement by road prohibited. However, such movement will be allowed for select purposes and for purposes permitted by Ministry of Home Affairs India.
  • ✅ Schools, Colleges and other educational and training/coaching institutions
  • Hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants
  • Places of large public gathering, such as ✅ Cinema Halls, Malls, Gymnasiums, Sports Complexes etc.
  • Social, Political, Cultural and other kinds of gatherings
  • Religious places/places of worships for public.
  • Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities, strictly prohibited between ✅ 7 pm to 7 am
  • Local authorities shall issue orders, such as curfew orders for this purpose
  • In all zones, persons above ✅ 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for heath purposes.
  • Out- Patient Departments and Medical clinics allowed to operate, with social distancing norms and other safety precautions, in Red, Orange and Green Zones, except in containment zones.

Lockdown 2.0

PUBLICATION OF MEDIA REPORTS ON TRAVEL PROTOCOL ETC OF TRAINS PASSENGERS ON RESUMPTION OF TRAIN SERVICES :  ADVISORY FOR MEDIA

Ministry of Railway announced on 10.04.2020 that during the last two days, there have been some reports in media about various protocols etc of prospective travellers by trains. They have also been mentioning about number of trains starting from a given date. It may be brought to the notice of media that final decision regarding above matters is yet to be taken and pre mature reporting on such matters is leading  to unnecessary and avoidable speculation in the minds of public in such extraordinary times.

Its humbly requested and  advised that media may consider to avoid publishing on the basis of unconfirmed or unverified matters which may lead to such speculation. ‪For the post lockdown Rail travel, Railways would take best feasible decisions in the interest of all stake holders including its prospective passengers. ‪As and when a decision is taken, all concerned would be intimated about it.

CORONAVIRUS : SPECIAL PARCEL TRAINS BY RAILWAY

Indian Railways to run Special Parcel Trains for carriage of essential items in small parcel sizes during the complete lockdown in fight against COVID-19, Railway announced, further details are here:- Coronavirus : Special Parcel Trains by Railway

COVID 19 : MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS DECIDES TO TREAT CONTRACT AND OUTSOURCED EMPLOYEES ‘ON DUTY’ DURING THE PERIOD OF SUSPENSION OF PASSENGERS SERVICES IN INDIAN RAILWAYS

Ministry of Railways announced on 24.03.2020 that in a bid to reduce the hardships and protect the interests of contractual and outsourced staff engaged in providing services such as On Board House Keeping services (OBHS) in trains, sanitation, pantry cars, stations, offices and other commercial activities, Ministry of Railways has decided that such staff will be treated ‘on duty’ and be paid accordingly till the expiry of suspension of services/lockdown or as advised by Central Government in this regard. This is applicable on contracts awarded on manpower basis. 

For contracts awarded on lumpsum basis (i.e. not on manpower basis), maximum payment which may be made shall be limited to 70% of the contract value. Railway Board has issued necessary instructions to Zonal Railways to ensure that the contractual staff and outsourced employees are not retrenched due to the suspension of services/lockdown. 

Covid 19: OPERATION OF FREIGHT TRAINS IS CONTINUING

Indian Railway announced on 24.03.2020 that due to the pandemic of corona virus, Indian Railways has suspended the operations of passenger train services across the country till 14th April 2020. Currently, Indian Railways is operating only freight trains across the country. Indian Railways is making all efforts to ensure availability of essential commodities through its uninterrupted freight services.

During the situation of lockdown in various States, Indian Railways Staff deployed at various good sheds, stations and control offices is working on 24/7 basis to ensure that the supply of essential items for the nation does not gets affected. On 23rd March 2020, total 474 rakes were loaded for essential commodities like food grains, salt, edible oil, sugar, milk, fruits & vegetables, onion, Coal and Petroleum products.

During the day, total 891 rakes were loaded by Indian Railways which also includes other important commodities like 121 rakes of Iron ore, 48 rakes of steel, 25 rakes of cement, 28 rakes of fertilizer, 106 rakes of container etc. Close coordination is being maintained with the State Governments so that rakes of essential commodities are handled smoothly without any delay, amidst various restriction imposed in the wake of Covid-19.

Indian Railways has slashed the demurrage and wharfage rates for goods and parcel at half of the prescribed rates till 31.03.2020. Validity of the rate policies pertaining to goods/container traffic has also been extended by one month i.e. up to 30.04.2020. No haulage charge shall be levied for movement of empty containers/empty flat wagons from 24.03.2020 to 30.04.2020. Free time for loading/unloading of wagons and free time for removal of consignment from railway premises has been increased to double of the prescribed free time till 31.03.20.

To monitor the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities over Indian Railway system, an Emergency freight control is working in the Ministry of Railways. Freight movement is being closely monitored by officials at very senior level. Indian Railways staff deployed in control rooms for operation of freight trains, line staff, maintenance staff, security personnel and medical staff in Railway hospitals is working continuously 24/7. Indian Railways understands its crucial role during this difficult time and requests all the stakeholders to fully support in ensuring faster loading and unloading of essential supplies.

Covid 19 : CANCELLATION OF ALL TRAIN SERVICES BY INDIAN RAILWAY

Updated : 15.04.2020

Indian Railway announced that all passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020.

Important Notice:

Cancellation of all passenger train services till the 24.00hrs of 3rd May, 2020.

Ministry of Railway announced via Press Release on 14.04.2020 that in continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19 Lockdown, it has been decided that all passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancelled till 3rd May 2020.

To ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country, movement of goods and Parcel trains will continue. No booking of any type of tickets, including E tickets shall be done till further advice. However, facility of online cancellation will remain functional for ticket bookings. All counters for ticket booking for UTS & PRS will remain closed till further orders. Full refund will be given for tickets for the bookings made for the trains cancelled. Full refund will also be there for those cancelling the advance bookings of tickets for trains not yet cancelled. As far as trains cancelled upto 3rd May 2020 is concerned, the refunds would be automatically remitted by the Railways online to the customers while those who have booked across the counters, refund can be taken upto 31st July, 2020.

  • All passenger train services cancelled till 3rd May 2020 in view of COVID 19 lockdown
  • All ticket counters for bookings including UTS and PRS , will remain suspended till further orders
  • No advance reservation of train tickets, including E tickets, till further advice, however, facility of online cancellation will remain functional
  • Full refund for reservation made for the trains cancelled.
  • Full refund will also be there for those cancelling the advance bookings of tickets for trains not yet cancelled

Indian Railway announced via press release on 22.03.2020 that Railway decided to Cancel all train Services by Indian Railways in the wake of COVID-19. Following are the details.

  • In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided that all passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall be cancelled till the 24.00hrs of 31.03.2020. However, bare minimum level of services of suburban trains and Kolkata Metro Rail shall continue upto 24.00hrs of 22.03.2020.
  • Trains which had already commenced their journey, prior to 04.00 hrs of 22.03.2020, will run up to their destinations. Adequate arrangements shall be made for the passengers, who have commenced their journey during the travel and at their destinations.
  • To ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country, movement of goods trains will continue.
  • To make it more convenient for passengers, full refund for all cancelled trains may be taken till 21.06.2020. Adequate arrangements shall be made to facilitate hassle-free refund to passengers affected by train cancellations.

IRCTC TEJAS EXPRESS/ CANCELLED

IRCTC Tejas Express:- In view of COVID-19 situation, IRCTC Tejas Express Train No. 82501/82502 between LJN-NDLS-LJN and Train No. 82901/82902 between ADI-MMCT-ADI, stands cancelled for journey dates from 19-March-2020 to 14-April-2020. Full ticket fare will be refunded automatically, without any cancellation charges, to all the users/passengers having booked tickets for journey during the above period. Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. There is no need for cancellation of tickets by users.

IRCTC Kashi Mahakal Express:- In view of COVID-19 situation, IRCTC Kashi Mahakal Express trains running between BSB-INDB-BSB i.e., Train No. 82401/82402 (via LKO) and Train No. 82403/82404 (via PRYJ), stands cancelled for journey dates from 19-March-2020 to 14-April-2020. Full ticket fare will be refunded automatically, without any cancellation charges, to all the users/passengers having booked tickets for journey during the above period. Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. There is no need for cancellation of tickets by users.

Lockdown 1.0

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