Indian Railways has been gradually increasing the number of passenger services both in the unreserved as well as reserved sector and is keeping a close watch on the prevailing situation including concerns and suggestions of State Governments.

Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs, from time to time, has issued various orders for the containment of COVID-19 in the country. In this context, the following protocol may be strictly ensured for the movement of passengers by trains.

In the context of the above following, the protocol may kindly be followed with immediate effect by the passengers undergoing train travel.

*Booking and cancellation of Tickets:*

i) Onboard booking by the ticket checking staff of Fully Waiting list ticket shall not be permitted.

ii) Unreserved tickets (UTS) shall be permitted on limited trains only on which such unreserved journey has been permitted.

*Catering and Linen on Train*

i) No catering charges will be included in the fare. Pre-paid catering services in trains shall be disabled. However, Ready to Eat (RTE) meals, packed items, packaged drinking water bottles, tea/coffee/beverages etc. shall be made available to passengers in trains on a payment basis through pantry cars/trains side vending.

ii) e-catering facility will be available through IRCTC for the passengers.

iii) Provision of catering services in trains shall be subject to compliance of all safety and hygiene protocols issued by the Government from time to time.

iv) No Linen, blankets and curtains shall be provided during travelling.

v) Passengers are advised to carry their own linen for the train. The temperature inside AC coaches shall be suitably regulated for this purpose. For the convenience of the travelling passengers, bedroll kit/items are available for purchase at all Multi-Purpose Stalls.

*Protocol regarding Entry and movement of passengers*

i) Passengers with Fully Waitlisted tickets shall not be allowed to enter the Railway station.

ii) Passengers are requested to use separate entry and exit gates at Railway stations where such arrangements are made so that there is no face to face movement of passengers.

iii) Passengers shall be subject to thermal screening at the station. Only passengers who are found asymptomatic will be permitted to travel.

iv) Passengers are also requested to carry sanitizers during the journey.

v) Passengers are advised that they shall be wearing face covers/masks at the entry and during travel. Any violation shall be dealt with in accordance with various rules/guidelines.

vi) Passengers are also requested to observe social distancing both during boarding and travel.

vii) All passengers to be advised that on arrival at their destinations, the travelling passengers will have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State.

viii) All passengers hereby advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu application.

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