Nagpur: Possessing an authentic ticket may not guarantee entry to a train if the passenger has undergone Covid test but the report is awaited. Action will be taken if the passenger tries to board train by concealing Covid positive status.
With an aim to prevent surge in infections post-festive season, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and railway authorities are set to join hands for creating awareness among passengers about Covid appropriate behaviour.
RPF would also ensure that passengers don’t board trains if they are disqualified by health check-up teams at the railway station after medical screening.
Following a high-level meeting, RPF has issued a nine-point guideline for passengers. It mentions that the passengers who had given their samples for Covid test should not board trains if the results are awaited. The RPF has categorized such action as having potential to spread coronavirus and “endangering lives of fellow passengers”.
Senior divisional security commissioner (Sr DSC), RPF, South eastern central railway (SECR), AK Swamy said that first passengers would be made aware. “But they will be penalized for irresponsible behaviour. Action will be taken under sections 145, 153 and 154 of the Railways Act, which means imprisonment up to six months or maximum fine of Rs5,000 in case someone does not cooperate and indulges in activities which may lead to spread of coronavirus,” he said.
SECR’s RPF is set to start their drive and action on Itwari to Chhindwara and Rajnandgaon to Bhilai sections.
Ashutosh Pandey, Sr DSC, RPF, Central Railway (CR), said that guidelines will issued to passengers for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness on railway station premises. “RPF’s escort and patrolling parties would create awareness and also take action, if needed, with the objective of deterrence,” he said.
The guidelines also include mandate against spitting or ejecting any bodily waste or fluid, wearing masks improperly or travelling without one and not following Covid distancing among others.