Indian Railways to Impose Fines up to Rs 500 for not Wearing Masks in Stations and Trains

GUWAHATI: In view of the rising number of Covid 19 cases, the Indian Railway Ministry has announced that a fine of Rs 500 shall be imposed on the passengers for not wearing face masks on the railway premises or during travel in trains.

The order has been issued on face masks for a period of 6 months till further instructions.

The Ministry has decided to take various measures in order to contain the spread of the "resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic."

"One of the specific guidelines is to wear face masks/covers. Fine up to Rs 500 shall be imposed on persons for not wearing a face mask/cover in Rly. premises(including trains)" tweeted the Ministry of Railway. Read more

It is to be noted there has been a huge passenger rush since the past few weeks at railway stations across several states, dominated by migrant workers in India.

These migrant workers who travel far away from home for work have been fearing another lockdown situation like the previous year where they were forced to walk for hundreds of kilometers without food and a job.

 To curb further spread of the deadly virus, it stated "controlling spitting and act of similar nature due to any person not wearing mask and entering Railways premises (including trains), is important to avoid the creation of unclean/unhygienic conditions which may cause danger to life/public health". 

"In order to prevent spitting and act of similar nature and thus to ensure wearing of face masks/face cover by all passengers at railway premises and in trains, fines (up to Rs 500) under Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railways Premises) Rules, 2012 shall be imposed", informed the national transporter.

Currently, Indian Railways is operating 70 percent of its passenger train services across the nation.

India records 2.34 Lakh fresh covid 1,341 fatalities in the last 24 hours.

Also Read: Why Covid-19 is an Airborne Pathogen? The Lancet Study Report Suggests

Also Watch: Sivasagar DC launches two Ambulances under Mrityunjoy 108 service