Tamil Nadu may allow buses to be operated within districts from June 5

CHENNAI: Setting the stage for extension of the lockdown into June, the state government has decided to continue with the existing restrictions in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts due to the high case load. Curbs will be relaxed in other parts of the state with intra-district bus services likely to resume from June 5. A formal announcement is expected on Sunday.
The home ministry’s phased reopening guidelines issued on Saturday suggest reopening of religious places, hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services and shopping malls from June 8. Tamil Nadu, however, may not be ready. “We cannot go that far with the relaxations in any part of the state at least till June 15. In Chennai, given the spike in cases, it may not be possible before June 30,” said an official.
The resumption of bus services comes with a rider. “There will not be any bus service in the four northern districts including Chennai. In other parts of TN, public transport may resume with 50% fleet operating at 50% capacity. Adequate precautions will be taken to maintain social distancing. No decision is taken on resuming inter-district bus services,” said the official. The state government is working out a standard operating procedure (SOP) for transport corporations, passengers and crew. At present, only a few buses are being operated to transport government employees involved in essential services.
The state transport department had asked all transport corporations earlier this month to remain prepared to resume operations once the lockdown is lifted.“We are prepared. Buses will be disinfected after every trip. Passengers will have to wear masks and follow social distancing norms while boarding and alighting. The crew will have to undergo a health check-up before resuming duty,” said another official. Similarly, bus stations and depots would be frequently sanitized.
On Thursday, the transport department asked 50% of staff at its workshops to report for duty on a rotational basis to take care of the maintenance of buses.
After a meeting with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at the secretariat, health expert team members told reporters that Covid-19 was under control in other districts, but Chennai and its nearby districts continue to be a cause for concern. National Institute of Epidemiology deputy director Prabhdeep Kaur said relaxations can be introduced in other districts, depending on thesituation.