State-wise advisory on arrival by train

Posted by amrina alshaikh on June 29th, 2021

Railways are the lifelines of the Indian subcontinent. Amidst the second wave of COVID - 19 that has hit India, the Indian Railways has released state-wise travel guidelines for travel by train.

As the states are implementing a different state set of rules while monitoring the pandemic situation continuously, so has the COVID - 19 checklist for travel by train has undergone modification.

Apart from general guidelines like using a face mask and maintaining social distancing on railway stations and trains, not following which the traveler will be paying a fine of ₹500. Other impositions are also levied, such as cooked food will not be served on board and blankets, bed covers, and pillows won't be provided.

In case of a person plans to travel by train shortly, the following are the state wise travel guidelines for travel by train:

Kashmir

Passengers traveling by train to Kashmir must produce a negative RT-PCR test report within 72 hours of travel.

Delhi

Passengers traveling by train to Delhi, especially from Maharashtra, must produce a negative RT-PCR test report within 72 hours of travel.

These passengers must remain at home quarantine for 14 days and wear masks.

Uttar Pradesh

Passengers traveling by train to UP, especially from Maharashtra and Kerala, must carry a negative RT-PCR test report conducted before 72 hours of traveling. They must also face a 14-day home quarantine. COVID - 19 tests are being done at railway stations upon arrival for effective tracing.

Chhattisgarh

For passengers traveling by train to the state, negative RT-PCR reports are mandatory. Travelers can also choose to get tested on arrival at railway stations. If they test positive, they will be quarantined in a local quarantine center at their own expense.

Chandigarh

The state government requires all the travelers and passengers to the Union Territory to register themselves on the COVA Punjab app.

Himachal Pradesh

E-registration for e-pass has been made compulsory. Passengers from Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh must carry a negative RT-PCR report done within 72 hours of the scheduled travel.

Assam

Passengers traveling by trains from Maharashtra or Karnataka must undergo COVID - 19 test at Assam railway stations.

West Bengal

A negative coronavirus (RT-PCR test) report done within 72 hours is mandatory for those traveling to the state by train, especially from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

Rajasthan

It is compulsory for all train passengers to carry a negative RT-PCR test report done within 72 hours.

Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has made negative RT-PCR reports compulsory for travelers from Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. Passengers landing at any station will be hand-stamped, and home quarantined for 14 days, with an additional thermal screening carried out at all railway stations. Those coming in from out-of-station/state trains will not be allowed to travel in local trains.

Karnataka 

Passengers traveling by train from Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Kerala must carry a negative RT-PCR report within 72 hours of traveling.

Kerala 

Passengers will have to carry negative RT-PCR report or opt for a test at the stations at their own expense. They must undergo mandatory home quarantine for 14 days.

State-wise travel guidelines for travel by train in 2021

These are some standard guidelines issued by every state for travel by train:

• People will have to obtain a travel pass online or an e-pass, which the government will provide only for emergency purposes.
• All domestic travelers have to produce a negative RT-PCR report taken 48 hours before entering any state.
• If there is no report, a traveler will have to undergo a quarantine of 14 days until they get the RT-PCR report after arrival.
• A negative RT-PCR report or complete vaccination certificate is mandatory for visitors entering a state such as Goa.
• Passengers have to download the Aarogya Setu app.
• Interstate travel by train is allowed with only 50% of seating capacity, and no standing passengers are allowed in many states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, etc.
• In addition, State Governments have issued a travel advisory for passengers arriving by long-distance trains in their respective states. The latest available State-wise advisory is available o­n website http://contents.irctc.co.in/en/stateWiseAdvisory.html.
• Passengers traveling in long-distance trains are requested to check the advisory and follow appropriate COVID - 19 behavior for the safety and safety of others.