In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state authorities have taken stringent steps to contain the spread of infection. Train passengers from Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand will now be required to produce a negative RT-PCR test report taken at most 48 hours before travelling to Maharashtra. As per the order, no unreserved ticket for Maharashtra should be issued for trains plying from these six states.
A new SOP has been put in place for train travelling from these states to curb the Covid-19 spread across Maharashtra. The state government has categorised these six states as ‘places of sensitive origin’ amid the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.
“All passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers shall be allowed to board the trains for Maharashtra. Social distancing should be ensured during boarding/deboarding and travel,” said Sitaram Kunte, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. As some passengers will not carry RT-PCR reports, local government authorities in the state have been asked to set up antigen test facilities at railway stations. All passengers without symptoms will have to undergo fifteen days of home quarantine and those with symptoms or the positive result will be sent to institutional quarantine facilities. The state government has also urged the railway ministry to provide thermal scanners at all exit gates in stations and keep a stern check on much needed Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in the trains.
The railway has ensured compliance with various Covid-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs to restrict the spread of the virus.