Train from Chennai to Delhi among special trains announced – Times of India

<p>Photo used for representational purpose only<br></p>

CHENNAI: Trains will be operated from the city before the lockdown ends as railways has announced a train from Chennai to Delhi among the 15 special services to be operated from May 12. Reservation for the train on Delhi-Chennai and Chennai-Delhi route will begin on Monday.
The ministry has also announced that more such point-to-point special trains will be run based on the availability of coaches in the coming weeks. There is no announcement on the likely ticket fares, but the notification from the ministry said only passengers with confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter stations.
The trains will help people stranded in the cities since shutdown began.
“It was considered that train services should resume by operating special trains in a skeletal manner. The number of trains can be gradually scaled up as more relaxations kick in at Covid-19 hotspots across the country,” said an official.
The ministry of civil aviation is also not looking at resuming flight services in full steam as per the pre-lockdown schedule.
“Railways has already perfected the modalities needed for ensuring physical distancing by operating Shramik special trains for guest workers and others to return home,” the officer added.
T Sadagopan, a consumer rights activist, said, “Railways may have to work out a few things before operating such services. There are no suburban trains or local transport for people to reach the station. What happens to people who have tickets to travel on the route? Will railways sanitise toilets every few hours? Will there be medical help available? These points need to be resolved before arranging trains.”