Rail travel in the country is set to resume operations partially with 200 trains carrying more than 1.45 lakh passengers. Separate from the already functional Shramik trains and special AC trains, these special trains have more than 25 lakh bookings from June 1 until June 30.
Only passengers with confirmed or RAC tickets will be allowed to enter the railway station and board the trains. It is also required for the passengers to reach 90 minutes prior to the departure. According to the MHA guidelines, all travellers will be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the train.
The advance reservation period for all 230 special trains has been increased to 120 days, as opposed to the previous 30 days. Booking of parcel and luggage in these trains is also permitted. Tickets for Tatkal journey will be available for booking from June 29, 2020 for a journey on June 30, 2020.
Neither will unreserved tickets be issued nor will tickets be issued onboard during the journey. The first chart will be prepared at 4 hours prior to the scheduled departure and the second chart will be prepared at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Parking inside the stations is also not permitted. And no porters will be available.
All passengers have to wear face masks or covers before their entry and for the duration of the journey. Passengers will also be subjected to thermal screening at the station, and to facilitate this movement, they have to reach 90 minutes in advance. Physical-distancing norms have to be followed at all times and the Aarogya Setu app is mandatory. E-catering or pre-paid booking services have also been disabled. However, a provision for limited eatables and packaged drinking water in limited trains will be available. However, catering and vending units at the stations will remain open and only take-away options will be available. No linen, blankets or curtains will be present. Passengers have to carry their own linen while travelling. The temperature inside AC coaches will, however, be suitably regulated.
Bookings for the trains can be done via the IRCTC website or app, reservation counters, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and ticketing agents.