Train services set to begin amid lockdown

The Indian Railways will gradually resume passenger train services from May 12 initially with 15 pairs (30 return journeys) of air-conditioned “special trains”. In pic: Indian Railways converted one of its coaches into an isolation ward for COVID-19 patients. (Express photo: Arul Horizon)

A total of 15 trains for different destinations will leave New Delhi on Tuesday for which bookings will begin today. (Express photo: Javed Raja)

Only those without any Covid-19 symptoms will be allowed to travel. They will be screened at departure, and required to wear a “face cover”. (Express photo: pradip Das)

Passengers have to bring their own food, blankets and bedsheets from home to avoid the risk of infection. (Express Photo)

During boarding and travel, all passengers have to observe social distancing. All passengers shall be provided hand sanitiser at stations and in coaches. (Express photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)

Passenger rail services were shut for about 50 days since March 21 to contain the spread of Covid-19. In pic: Railway station being sanitised and cleaned.

In the midst of the lockdown, Railways has so far operated its freight services to transport essential goods across the country and ‘Special Shramik’ trains to ferry stranded migrant workers to their home states.

Over 5 lakh migrant workers have been sent to home states by trains, according to Home Ministry (Express Photo by Javed Raja)