Southern Railways has allowed the general public to travel during the non-peak hours from December 23 onwards. In a press release, the Southern Railways said, from December 23, it permits general public “to travel during the non-peak hours in the Chennai suburban systems.”
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted the news. “With adequate safety measures in place, this will greatly enhance ease of movement and passenger convenience,” he said in his tweet while announcing the news.
The Railways in the press release said from the early hours to 7 am, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and from 7 pm to till the close of the service will be considered as non-peak hours for this purpose.
However, it has urged people to follow the Health Ministry’s Covid-19 safety guidelines during travel.
The Railways further said employees engaged in providing essential services will also be allowed to travel during the peak hours. From 7 am to 9:30 am and from 4:30 pm to 7 pm will be considered as peak hours.
The Southern Railways has appealed to all the passengers using local train services to follow the Covid guidelines for the safety of the people.
- It asked people not to enter the station premises and train without wearing masks
- Urged passengers not to crowd while boarding and de-boarding the train
- Asked people to maintain social distancing in station premises and on-board
- Urged travellers to co-operate with Railway employees for checking documents at stations and during the journey
