Coronavirus – Covid 19 Train Updates ( Passenger Trains / Parcel Trains / Ticket Booking / Cancellation / Rules / Fare / Shramik Special )
Welcome to IRCTC Help exclusive Coronavirus Train Updates railway news. During this post you will get complete information related to Corona Virus ( COVID 19 ) special Passenger Trains , Corona Virus Special Parcel Trains , Rules / Corona Virus Rail Arrangements / Fare / Documents Details of Shramik Special ( Covid 19 Train ) etc.
On top of all we are providing you Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ ) for the topics we have covering here so that you wouldn’t miss any points. We are tried to include all the topics which useful to you, however if you required any additional information please don’t hesitate to comment on this post. We will update required information ASAP or revert you explanation on the same.
- Covid 19: Latest News
- Covid 19: Imposition Of Fine For Not Wearing Mask At Railway Premises Including Inside Trains
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REVISED COVID STANDARD OPERATING PROTOCOL (SOP) FOR MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS BY TRAINS ~ 01.06.2022
South Western Railway announced that the Ministry of Railways has issued revised COVID Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for movement of passengers by trains may kindly be followed as mentioned below:
All rail passengers are advised to wear face covers/masks at the time of entry/exit and also during the entire journey. All travelling passengers are advised that, on arrival at their destination should follow the Covid protocol/guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family welfare and concerned State/Union Territory on the subject from time to time.
SPECIAL SURVEILLANCE MEASURES FOR ARRIVALS FROM KERALA & MAHARASHTRA
South Western Railway announced that Negative RT PCR certificate is mandatory for persons arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra to Karnataka.
In view of the current Covid -19 situations, the following revised special surveillance measures are notified by the Government of Karnataka herewith to be complied strictly by the passengers arrivals from Kerala & Maharashtra.
- Passengers arriving from Kerala & Maharashtra, should produce a negative RT PCR certificate, that is not older than 72 hours irrespective of vaccination status.
- The above condition is mandatory for all the passengers coming to Karnataka by flight. bus, train and personal transport.
- All passengers travelling by trains from Kerala & Maharashtra should must carry negative RT-PCR certificates.
Permitted exemptions for negative RT-PCR certificate are as follows:-
- Constitutional functionaries and health care professionals.
- Children below 2 years.
- In dire emergency situation (death in the family, medical treatment etc.) the passenger’s swab shall be collected on arrival in Karnataka with necessary details like phone number, address etc., duly verifying from his ID card. on receipt of the RT-PCR test report, further action will be taken as per the State protocol.
Restoration of Train Services From June
North Central Railway announced (02.06.2021) that as gradual Unlocking/relaxation in restrictions imposed by some States on account of COVID 19 is expected from June onwards Railways is planning to gradually restore the train services as per need-based demand. With the upcoming relaxation, it is expected that a large number of people will start returning to their place of work in these States.
GM NCR Shri V.k.Tripathi, in this regards, has directed NCR Business Development Unit(BDU) to be in regular touch with local Industrial Units, Exporters, Chambers of Commerce, Associations and other federations, etc. in NCR to quickly assess and plan the restoration of train services to facilitate such movement, in consultation with the Coaching Directorate of RB. NCR BDU consists of Shri P K Ojha, CFTM/NCR as Coordinator, Smt. Anu Mani TripathiCCM/ Freight Marketing, Shri P K PandeyCRSE/Freight, Shri Hamim Ahmad- FA& CAO/ WST, Enamul Haque- CE/general as other members.
Simultaneously, GM has instructed DRM Agra, Prayagraj, and Jhansi to instruct Divisional BDUs to coordinate with all stakeholders in their areas and quickly assess the demand and plan restoration of train services. Divisional BDU consists of SrDOM as convenor with SrDCM, SrDME, SrDEN, and SrDFM as members.
Coronavirus : Train Ticket Booking / Cancellation / Refund Details
Full Refund of Train Fare
Indian Railway announced that the Refund of the canceled trains is processed on the T+1 day of journey date by Indian Railways. Thereafter, the refund amount is credited in 3 to 4 days in the user’s account.
Updated : 30.06.2021
Updated : 15.06.2021
Indian Railway announced on 14.06.2021 that Refund of fare in case passenger is not found fit for traveling due to symptoms of Corona (COVID19). Refund shall be processed through TDR. Passengers are requested to file TDR within 10 days from the Date of Journey and send TTE certificate to IRCTC for further process of refund.
Refund of fare in case passenger is not found fit for travelling due to symptoms of Corona
IRCTC announced that Automatic refund of full train fare in case of train cancellation by railways. No need to cancel such tickets.
Standard Operating Protocol (Sop) for Movement of Passengers by Trains
Railway announced on 06.05.2021 that Indian Railways has been gradually increasing the number of passenger services both in the unreserved as well as reserved sector and is keeping a close watch on the prevailing situation including concerns and suggestions of State Governments.
Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs, from time to time, has issued various orders for the containment of COVID-19 in the country. In this context, the following protocol may be strictly ensured for the movement of passengers by trains. In the context of the above following, the protocol may kindly be followed with immediate effect by the passengers undergoing train travel.
Booking and cancellation of Tickets
- Onboard booking by the ticket checking staff of Fully Waiting list ticket shall not be permitted.
- Unreserved tickets (UTS) shall be permitted on limited trains only on which such unreserved journey has been permitted.
Catering and Linen on Train
- No catering charges will be included in the fare. Pre-paid catering services in trains shall be disabled. However, Ready to Eat (RTE) meals, packed items, packaged drinking water bottles, tea/coffee/beverages, etc. shall be made available to passengers in trains on a payment basis through pantry cars/trains side vending.
- the e-catering facility will be available through IRCTC for the passengers.
- Provision of catering services in trains shall be subject to compliance with all safety and hygiene protocols issued by the Government from time to time.
- No Linen, blankets, and curtains shall be provided during traveling.
- Passengers are advised to carry their own linen for the train. The temperature inside AC coaches shall be suitably regulated for this purpose. For the convenience of the traveling passengers, bedroll kit/items are available for purchase at all Multi-Purpose Stalls.
Protocol regarding Entry and movement of passengers
- Passengers with Fully Waitlisted tickets shall not be allowed to enter the Railway station.
- Passengers are requested to use separate entry and exit gates at Railway stations where such arrangements are made so that there is no face-to-face movement of passengers.
- Passengers shall be subject to thermal screening at the station. only passengers who are found asymptomatic will be permitted to travel.
- Passengers are also requested to carry sanitizers during the journey.
- Passengers are advised that they shall be wearing face covers/masks at the entry and during travel. Any violation shall be dealt with in accordance with various rules/guidelines.
- Passengers are also requested to observe social distancing both during boarding and travel.
- All passengers to be advised that on arrival at their destinations, the traveling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State.
- All passengers hereby advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu application.
New Covid Guidelines To Enhance Passenger Safety
Covid 19: Imposition Of Fine For Not Wearing Mask At Railway Premises Including Inside Trains
Wearing a Face cover/ Mask is compulsory in Railway Premises (including trains)Fines (up to Rs. 500) under Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules 2012 shall be imposed by railway officials authorized for the purpose from persons not wearing face mask/cover in Railway premises (including trains)Indian Railways takes various measures to contain the spread of the resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic.
Indian Railway announced on 17.04.2021 that Indian Railways is taking various measures to contain the spread of the resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. One of the specific guidelines is to wear a face mask/cover in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for movement of trains as brought out by IR on 11.05.2020 in para 2.3 (ix) says that “it should be advised to all passengers that they shall be wearing face cover/mask at entry and during travel”.
In this connection, attention is invited to Commercial Circular no. 76 of 2012 dated 14.12.2012 regarding enforcement of Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at railway premises) Rules 2012 vide Gazette Notification No. GSR 846 (E) dt. 26.11.2012 Vide para 3 (1) (b) of the said Gazette Notification. It has interalia been enlisted under Prohibition of activities affecting cleanliness and hygiene in the railway persons that no Person shall spit in any railway premises except in such facilities or conveniences specifically provided for any of these purposes.
In view of the Covid-19 situation, controlling spitting and act of similar nature due to any person not wearing a mask and entering Railway premises (including trains) is important to avoid the creation of unclean/unhygienic conditions which may cause danger to life/public health.
Accordingly, to prevent spitting and act of similar nature and thus to ensure the wearing of face masks/face cover by all persons at railway premises (including trains), fines (Upto Rs. 500) under Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules 2012 shall be imposed by railway officials authorized for the purpose from persons not wearing face mask/cover in Railway premises (including trains).
Covid 19 : State-wise Advisory
Indian Railway announced that all passengers to kindly note that on arrival at their destination, the traveling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State/UT. Click Here to see state-wise advisory on Arrival(As available). For other states, State Govt websites may be visited to ascertain the same.
Indian Railway announced that though various State Governments’ Advisories have been provided on IRCTC Website, Still Users are advised to surf Destination State Government URL/ Website for latest instructions on Covid-19 pandemic and Covid appropriate behavior.
On Arrival Advisory of Delhi
All Rail Passengers Travelling to Delhi from Andhra Pradesh and the Telangana States have to undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days
On Arrival Advisory of Karnataka
Karnataka Government Issues Guidelines for Interstate Passengers arriving by Trains
Southern Railway announced on 02.07.2021 that Government of Karnataka vide G.O No. RD 158 TNR 2020 dated 01.07.2021 has issued guidelines for interstate passengers arriving from Kerala. As per this order, passengers should compulsorily produce a Negative RTPCR Certificate not older than 72 hours, on arrival at Railway Stations in Karnataka. Rail Passengers in possession of the Vaccination Certificate after having received both doses of COVID19 vaccine are exempted from this. All passengers traveling by trains are requested to adhere to COVID19 protocols and carry essential documents as per norms issued by state governments from time to time.
- On Arrival Advisory of Odisha
- All passengers traveling to Odisha, from anywhere by train, must have an RT-PCR negative test report of maximum 72 hours before the start of a journey or a 2nd dose vaccination certificate.
- 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 Maharashtra
Measures for arrival of passengers by trains to Maharashtra.
Negative RT-PCR report mandatory for train passengers arriving in Goa
Central Railway announced that Passengers travelling by train are advised to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour while boarding, travel, and at the destination. Now, the Government of Goa has issued an advisory to train passengers to carry negative RT-PCR test report for a test conducted within 72 hours of train departure. In addition, State Governments have issued a travel advisory for passengers arriving by long distance trains in their respective states. The latest available State-wise advisory is available on website http://contents.irctc.co.in/en/stateWiseAdvisory.html
- 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
Negative RT-PCR report mandatory for train passengers arriving in West Bengal
Central Railway announced (06.05.2021) that Passengers travelling by train are advised to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour while boarding, travel and at the destination. Now, the Government of West Bengal has issued an advisory to train passengers to carry negative RT-PCR test report for a test conducted within 72 hours of train departure. In addition, State Governments have issued a travel advisory for passengers arriving by long-distance trains in their respective states. Passengers travelling in long-distance trains are requested to check the advisory and follow covid-19 appropriate behaviour for their safety and the safety of others.
FAQs
Coronavirus ( Covid 19 ) Info – Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ ) – Passenger Special Trains ( Covid 19 Train )
✅ What is the COVID19 Special Trains Name?
COVID19 Special Trains are called “Shramik Special“.
✅ How to book Shramik Special ( COVID19 Special Train) ?
There is a help desk at Railway Station where trains are running. There Railway officials will do the registration as per priority.
✅ From where I will get for Shramik Special ?
Passenger should contact State Government.
✅ From where we get the information of train timetable , please let us know how we can register for travel?
You will get this details on IRCTC Help with “Corona virus Special Trains For Passengers” or by visiting the nearest railway stations where this service available.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) – Cancellation / Refund tickets in the wake of Covid 19
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) related to the cancellation of tickets in the wake of Covid 19.
✅ Do I need to cancel ticket if train is cancelled?
No, You don’t need to cancel the ticket.In case of cancellation of trains in its complete journey by Indian Railways, there is no need for cancellation of tickets by users.Refund process is fully automatic in such cases. No action required on the part of users. Users are also requested not to give response to any false call received in this regard of claiming fast refund and asking for your credentials in any form. IRCTC never asks for user credentials for making refund.
✅ How can I track cancellation status of my cancelled ticket?
If train is cancelled, e-ticket will be automatically cancelled and user will receive SMS informing him/her about the cancellation of e-ticket. To check the cancellation status of such tickets, Please login to IRCTC e-ticketing website and visit :-
My Account -> My Transactions -> Ticket Cancellation History
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) related to the Refund of tickets in the wake of Covid 19.
✅ I got the news that no trains will be running till 30th June 2020, but when I cancelled the ticket for this, full refund was not provided.
In the current COVID-19 situation, IRCTC advises users not to cancel their e tickets as it will be automatically cancelled. If user has cancelled any such ticket and have got partial refund, IRCTC will process rest refund amount into user’s account through an automated process. IRCTC is continuously working on refunds to e-ticket customers for cancellation of trains. Users are advised not to get worried in case of less refunds as rest amount will get credited in few days.
✅ Trains till 30th June 2020 have been cancelled, but my ticket has not been cancelled so far.
In case Train has been cancelled, users are advised to relax as tickets cancellations are in process and automatic refunds will be credited to your account from which it was booked. User need not cancel or complain.
✅ How much refund will I get if I cancel my train ticket?
If a user cancels his ticket he will get refund as per Railway Refund rules as per the time limits for refund of cancelled tickets. In case of train cancellation by Indian Railways, users are advised not to cancel their tickets as full refund will be processed automatically by IRCTC on the following day of the train journey.
✅ Where will I get refund of my train ticket?
In case of cancellation of trains, automatic full refund of fare on confirmed or RAC e-tickets shall be directly credited to the same account from which booking transaction took place and online cancellation or filing of TDR shall not be required in such case.
✅ When will I get refund of my train ticket?
If train is cancelled, e-ticket refund will be automatically credited to customer’s account from which ticket was booked. The refund process will take 3 to 7 working days from the scheduled departure of the train.
✅ How can I track Refund status of my cancelled ticket?
To check the refund status of cancelled tickets, Please login to IRCTC e-ticketing website and visit
My Account -> My Transactions -> Ticket Refund History
 , COVID 19 Special Parcel Trains , Rules / Arrangements / Fare / Documents Details of ✅Shramik Special Trains etc. Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ ) included){kind=link}
We are daily commuters and We need Normalcy, because it is hard to bear fare in special train