Bus and train services within Tamil Nadu to resume from September 7

CHENNAI: Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday announced that inter-district public and private bus transport and passenger train services within the state will resume from September 7.
The state government restarted bus service within districts on Tuesday. In an official statement, the chief minister said there were requests from the public to recommence the operations for inter-district travel for work and business-related activities. “Permission is granted to resume inter-district public and private bus transport following standard operating procedure,” Palaniswami said. There were media reports about ordeals faced by the commuters to travel to other districts as the state transport corporations stop the services quiet away from the district boundaries, compelling the commuters to take a walk to enter the neighbouring district to get another bus.
The CM also said passenger trains would also be allowed in the state adhering to the standard operating procedure. Palaniswami said that though the government has extended relaxations, citizens must follow all safety precautions, including wearing masks, washing hands with soap and maintaining social distance.
No exam centres in containment zones
Only those exam centres which are outside the containment zone will be allowed to function for holding exams, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday in its SOP on conducting exams. All staff and students to be allowed entry only if using face cover or masks. The face cover/mask has to be worn at all time inside the examination centre by all.
Airlines can fly 60% of aircraft
In further easing of restrictions, the government on Wednesday permitted Indian airlines to increase the number of domestic passenger flights to 60% of their pre-Covid services, according to an official order. On June 26, the ministry of civil aviation had allowed the airlines to operate a maximum of 45% of their pre-virus domestic flights.
Masks must in all Metro trains
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday said Metro train services will resume in a graded manner from September 7 across the country, except in Maharashtra, and passengers will have to follow preventive measures against Covid-19 such as maintaining social distancing and wearing face mask. All Metro lines will become operational from September 12. An official said Metro trains will not stop at stations where passengers are found not maintaining social distancing. “Only asymptomatic persons will be allowed to travel after thermal screening at the entrance of the station. Wearing of face mask will be mandatory for all passengers and staff,” Puri said.