Concerned about the massive rise in the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases, the Indian Railways took strict measures in the lines of COVID-19 guidelines.
On the 17th of April, the Indian Railways imposed a fine of Rs. 500 for people found to be violating face mask norms in trains and stations. The Railways also advised travellers against spitting and “acts of similar nature.” The fine was announced under the penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at its premises. The imposed fine which would begin with immediate effect would continue for a duration of six months.
The decision to do so was taken due to the rising numbers of COVID-19, alarming a second wave of the deadly infection in India.
The Indian Railways even issued a notification regarding the same. The officially issued order read, “To prevent spitting and act of similar nature and this to ensure wearing of face masks/face cover by all persons at railway premises (including trains), fines (up to Rs. 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/ cover in Railway premises (including trains).” It further added, “The order added, “Railway may take action with immediate effect for a period of six (6) months till further issued in this regard.”
The Executive Director of Passenger Marketing of Indian Railways Neeraj Sharma wrote a letter to the General Managers of Railway zones regarding the same. In the letter Mr. Neeraj Sharma said, “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 guidelines is to wear masks in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.”
The orders came at a time when nationwide Coronavirus cases crossed 2.20 lakhs single day spike. In the past 24 hours, India reported 2,34,692 new cases taking the tally to 14,526,609. The death toll has increased to 175,649.
According to the Union Health Ministry, 10 states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, are accounting for 79.32 % of the total active cases. The other states include Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
