Operations of Tejas Express to restart from October 17

In a major relief to the passengers planning to travel in the Tejas Express trains, the Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) after almost seven months is all set to restart the operation of the two trains — Lucknow-New Delhi and Ahmedabad-Mumbai from October 17. The IRCTC spokesperson in a statement said that for the service of people and for catering to the growing passenger demand due to the festive season, both the Tejas Express trains were expected to restart operations from October 17.

New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) is all set to restart the operations of Tejas Express trains on the routes of Lucknow-New Delhi and Ahmedabad-Mumbai, from October 17.

The operations of these trains were suspended since March 19, due to COVID-19 outbreak across the country. To cater the growing demand of passengers in the upcoming festive season, IRCTC has decided to restart the services of Tejas Express.

"On getting approval from Ministry of Railways to again start the operation of two of the most popular corporate trains, IRCTC is making all-round preparations to ensure that the trains once started to match the expectations of the people in terms of levels of services and safety and health protocols amidst the ongoing pandemic," IRCTC stated in its official statement.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) has also been issued. Every alternate seat will be kept vacant to maintain social distancing norms, during the initial period of train operations. Passengers will not be allowed to exchange their seats once seated.

Use of face covers/masks will be mandatory for passengers and staff. All travellers will have to install 'Aarogya Setu App'. All the passengers will also be provided a COVID-19 protection kit, containing a bottle of hand sanitizers, one mask, one face Shield and one pair of gloves.

All passengers will have to go through thermal screening and hand sanitization process before entering the coach. Detailed instructions will be given to the passengers at the time of booking tickets.

"The coach including pantry areas and Lavotories will be thoroughly disinfected at regular intervals. The luggage and baggage of passengers will be disinfected by staff deputed for this purpose. Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surface inside the coach will be done," said IRCTC.

IRCTC also mentioned that an extensive training programme has been conducted to educate and train the employees of Tejas Express to manage the operations and provide services according to the 'New Normal' amidst Covid-19 pandemic.