Get ready to travel across states once again, without any restrictions.
As part of the Unlock 3.0 process that began on 29 July, the Indian government has announced the lifting of all inter and intra state travel restrictions. Moreover, no e-passes will be needed for inter-state travel.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to all union territories and state and chief secretaries on the same. He has also communicated that any such imposition would henceforth be treated as a violation of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Following this announcement, several states have relaxed a number existing restrictions and are allowing normal travel once again.
For instance, Karnataka has relaxed quarantine norms as the state gets back to normalcy. All asymptomatic people can resume work and no one needs to go through a 14-day quarantine. A revised circular issued by Jawaid Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary to Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department, said that inter-state travellers too do not have to register with the Seva Sindhu portal. However, they are advised to keep a close check on their health and if any kind of symptoms are observed, they must immediately contact the Apthamitra helpline, 14410.
Puducherry too is doing the same. On Monday, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy announced that anyone can travel to the union territory from Tamil Nadu without any e-pass or quarantine restrictions, but they need to enroll themselves with the nearest Primary Health Centre of the locality where they are residing. A number of hotels and restaurants have opened up in Puducherry and are welcoming guests as popular tourist spots like Paradise Beach, Chunnambar Boat House and Sri Aurobindo Ashram have opened up.
Though many states are following the central government directives, some like Maharashtra are still skeptical about removing all restrictions. The free movement of goods and transportation is allowed in these places, however, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, several quarantine norms continue and e-passes remain mandatory for travel.