COVID-19: Railways to fine Rs 500 for not wearing face masks in rail premises, trains

In view of the rising COVID-19 circumstances throughout the nation, Indian Railways on Saturday introduced {that a} fine of up to Rs 500 might be imposed on the passengers for not wearing face masks at the railway premises or throughout journey in trains. The order on face masks has been issued for a interval of 6 months until additional directions.

This is the newest in a slew of measures that the railways has taken to guarantee compliance of the varied COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs to prohibit the unfold of the virus. 

In a letter to all of the General Managers of Railway zones, Executive Director of Passenger Marketing Neeraj Sharma stated, “Indian Railways is taking various measures to contain the spread of the resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic, in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. One of the specific guideline is to wear masks in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.”

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“The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for movement of trains as brought out by Indian Railways on May 11, 2020, says that it should be advised to all passengers that they shall be wearing face cover/ mask at entry and during travel,” he added.

The obligatory use of masks and the fine will now be listed below the Indian Railways (Penalties for actions affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, which additionally has the supply of fines for these discovered spitting on rail premises, it stated.

“In view of the COVID-19 situation, controlling spitting and act of similar nature due to any person not wearing mask and entering railway premises (including trains), is important to avoid creation of unclean and unhygienic conditions which may cause danger to life and public health, ” the order stated.

“Accordingly, to prevent spitting and act of similar nature and thus, to ensure wearing of face masks or face cover by all persons at railway premises (including trains), fines (up to 500) under Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, shall be imposed by railway officials authorised for this purpose, from persons not wearing face mask or cover in railway premises including trains,” it said.

The order additionally stated that railways could take motion with fast impact for a interval of “six months” until additional directions issued in this regard.

A file single-day rise of two,34,692 circumstances and 1,341 fatalities have pushed India’s COVID-19 tally to 1,45,26,609 and the demise toll due to the viral illness to 1,75,649, the well being ministry stated on Saturday.

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The variety of lively coronavirus circumstances in the nation has surpassed the 16-lakh mark, the ministry’s information up to date at 8 am confirmed.

Registering a gentle enhance for the thirty eighth day in a row, the tally of lively COVID-19 circumstances has climbed to 16,79,740 in the nation, accounting for 11.56 per cent of its whole caseload, whereas the nationwide COVID-19 restoration fee has dropped to 87.23 per cent. 

The nationwide transporter is presently working 70 per cent of its passenger prepare companies throughout the nation. 

(With Inputs from businesses)

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