Railways Issues Rules For Travelling During Diwali, Dussehra; Penalty For Violators (Full List)

As the festive season is almost here, Indian Railways is all set to manage the high influx of passengers, travelling all across the country, in a manner to contract as less cases of the novel coronavirus, as possible.

As a result, Railways will add 196 pairs, or 392 Festival Special trains, which will start their operation from October 20 to November 30.

The Railway Protection Force of Indian Railways, has issued a set of guidelines for all the passengers travelling in this festive season.

Let’s have a look at the detailed guidelines, as sanctioned by the IR.

Detailed Guidelines for IR Travelers

All the travelers will have to strictly comply with all of the following guidelines, to ensure a safe and un-punishable journey, during this festive season.

• Wearing masks ‘PROPERLY’ all the time is mandatory.
• Maintaining social distancing.
• Do not come to a railway area/station/board train, if announced Covid positive.
• Prohibit creating unhygienic conditions, or affect public health and safety in railway stations and trains.
• Strictly adhering to all the guidelines issued by Railway administration to prevent spreading of coronavirus.
• Any activity (like openly sneezing, coughing, or spitting) which could lead to a possible spread of coronavirus, must be prohibited.

Statement Issued by Railways

“Since these acts or omissions are likely to aid in the spread of coronavirus, they will tantamount to interference with passenger amenities provided by the railway administration, wilful omission or neglect endangering or causing to be endangered the safety of any person or rash and negligent act or omission likely to endanger the safety of any person travelling or being upon any railway and may be punished with imprisonment and/or fine under section 145, 153 and 154 of Railway Act 1989.”

Special Festive Trains Opearable from Oct 20

As mentioned above, the Ministry of Railways will add 196 pairs of Festival Special trains, operable from October 20 to November 30.

The Indian Railways have informed that ticket fares of such trains will be the same as special trains operated by the Ministry earlier.

These 392 special trains will run for destinations like Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi and Lucknow, among others.

Tickets can be booked online as well as on PRS ticket counters.

You can find the complete list of these trains here.