Domestic flights to gradually resume from 25 May...train tickets will resume at common service centres across the country from Friday.

KalimNews, (Compiled from First Post, The Indian Express, PTI) Kalimpong, 21 May 2020: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal today said booking of train tickets will resume at around 1.7 lakh common service centres across the country from Friday. Common Service Centres are physical facilities for delivering e-services of the government at rural and remote locations where availability of computers and internet is negligible or absent. The minister also said that bookings will also resume at counters at specific stations over the next two to three days. "We are developing a protocol to identify the stations...we will also soon announce the resumption of more trains," Goyal said.

Almost 1.50 lakh tickets were booked within two hours of opening the bookings for the 100 pairs of passenger trains that the railways will operationalise on June 1, officials said today. On Wednesday, railways issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from June 1. The list included popular trains such as Durontos, Sampark Krantis, Jan Shatabdis and Poorva Express.This is the second slew of special passenger services that marked the Railways graded restoration of its trains which were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

These trains will have both AC and non-AC classes and fully reserved coaches. 60% of train coaches now earmarked for isolation of COVID-19 cases will be used to run Shramik Special Trains. So far, no state has needed the ones converted into isolation units. Another 20,000 had been marked for similar conversion.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government will announce resumption of more trains soon as it is time to take India towards normalcy.  

I think there are around 40 lakh people who want to return to West Bengal but only 27 special trains have entered the state so far: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal; till May 8 or 9, only 2 trains could reach there."

Domestic flights will resume on 25 May with limited operations with airlines operating one-third of their schedule.Ministry of Civil Aviation issues The Airports Authority of India has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to all its airports for recommencement of domestic commercial flight operations for domestic travellers. Only those passengers with confirmed web check-in will be allowed to enter the airport. 

As per the guidelines, all passengers must compulsorily be registered with the Aarogya Setu app on their phones. Children below 14 years have been exempted.

Passengers will be required to wear protective gear (face mask) from the time they enter the airport till they complete their journey. Passengers must come through thermal screening zone. They will be provided a safety kit that includes a three-layer surgical mask, face shield and sanitiser by airlines at the boarding gate.

Only one check-in bag will be allowed; airlines will not provide meal services in flights,  water bottles will be made available in the gallery area or on the seats. Passengers will also not be allowed to consume any eatables inside. And no newspapers or magazines will be available on the flight. 

To ensure social distance, the markings like circle, square should be provided around the baggage collection carousel for ensuring social distancing. Before handing over luggage to passengers, all bags will be sanitised by airport staff before putting them on conveyer belt.Regular fumigation at taxi pickup and drop off points outside airport.For commuting to and from airport, both by staff and passengers, only the personal vehicles or select authorized taxi services /transport services with restricted seating to be permitted. Use of trolleys to be discouraged. Use open-air ventilation inside airports where ever possible instead of Central air-conditioning.

Social distancing rules will apply even in the sitting arrangements. The seats that are not in use will be marked with tapes/markers. The staff is also required to maintain a safe distance, wear face shields if necessary, and be provided with hand sanitisers, face masks.

Airlines to adhere to lower and upper limit of fares prescribed by govt during Covid-19 pandemic period, Airlines to inform passengers reporting time at airport is at least two hours before scheduled time for flight's departure, Boarding for flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure: Aviation Ministry.