CHENNAI, MAR 2
The Indian Railway has restored accommodation facility in unreserved coaches in all mail and express passenger trains to cater to the needs of common passengers.
This decision was taken following the directive of Railway Board after the decline in the Covid-19 cases across the country. This is being implemented in all the zones including SR on priority basis from March 1 onwards.
According to Southern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Guganathan, ‘’in regular trains, General coaches shall be earmarked as reserved or unreserved as these were prevailing during pre-pandemic period. For example, if a train had 4 unreserved GS coaches during pre pandemic period, but are now being operated as 2S reserved class, these shall be restored as unreserved coaches with effect from Advance Reservation Period (120 days hence) or no booking date (date from which no passenger has booked reserved ticket in 2S class).’’
However, if a train had few GSCZ or similar type of coaches running as reserved second sitting coaches (2S class) in pre-Covid times, these shall continue as reserved sitting coaches in those trains even now.
In Holiday Specials or other Special Trains, General coaches shall be reserved or unreserved as prevailing during pre pandemic period.
Passengers will, however, follow Covid appropriate behaviour during journey as per directive of the railway ministry and ministry of home affairs.”
