Maligaon, March 20 (MExN): In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus and to minimise the travel related risks to elderly citizens, Indian Railways has withdrawn concessional booking of tickets to senior citizens for unreserved and reserved segment with effect from March 20 till further advisory.
This step has been taken to discourage them from making non-essential journeys, the NFR said in its statement on Friday. For railway tickets already purchased before 00:00 Hrs of March 20, no difference in fare will be collected during journey.
It has been seen that the risk of spread and mortality rate due to COVID-19 virus is highest among senior citizens as susceptibility increases with age. As such, the NFR stated that it is taking all precautionary steps to discourage people from taking non-essential journeys.
Trains with low occupancy are already being cancelled. Minimum distance markers are being put in place in locations like PRS and UTS centres in all important stations, so that a safe distance in between two people can be maintained.
The cost of platform tickets in many stations over NFR has also been increased to discourage people from coming to stations other than for essential purpose.
Railway authority has already instructed for presence of only 50% staff in all administrative offices with immediate effect as per guidelines issued by DOPT.
The NFR sought active cooperation from everyone to combat the spread of COVID-19.
