Post-lockdown safety measures by Railways may include an empty middle berth

Post-lockdown measures by Railways may include keeping the middle berth vacant among other steps to maintain social distancing among passengers.

The country may be divided into three categories based on the incidence of cases, indicated Railway Board chief V K Yadav in a meeting conducted with two other officials, reported Times of India.

These zones are: Red, Yellow & Green.


While no travel will be allowed in Red zones, only limited travel will be allowed in yellow zone. There will be no restrictions placed in green zone.

“No decision has been made, but various measures are being discussed in case the government asks the railways to resume services while ensuring social distancing rules," the TOI report quoted a source as saying.

Other safety measures being considered include no provision of linen, no meals on board, and not allowing those without reservation to board the trains.

The railways had suspended all passenger trains till April 14 owing to the national lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Only freight trains are allowed to run.

No decision has been taken on extending the national lockdown. The Prime Minister will hold a video conference with chief ministers tomorrow and a decision is expected post the meeting.