After 12 passengers test positive for COVID 19, Indian Railways asks people to avoid train travel

The railways urged citizens to postpone all travels at present when the nation is witnessing surge in the number of Coronavirus cases over the past few days.

Railways said it noticed that some passengers, who traveled by train recently, tested positive for Coronavirus.

"Railways has found some cases of Coronavirus infected passengers in trains which makes train travel risky. Avoid train travel as you may also get infected if your co-passenger has Coronavirus. Postpone all journeys and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. #NoRailTravel," the Railways tweeted.

Twelve people, who recently trevelled in trains, tested positive for COVID 19, the Ministry of Railways said.

Railways said while eight passengers, who tested positive, had travelled from Delhi to Ramagundam on AP Sampark Kranti Express on Mar 13.

The other four passengers traveled on Godan Express from Mumbai to Jabalpur on Mar 16.

India reported four Coronavirus deaths so far.

To avoid crowding and practice social distancing, in the wake of the spread of coronavirus, the Railway Ministry on Saturday relaxed refund rules for PRS counter generated tickets.

However, all rules for e-ticket remain same as the passenger does not need to come to station for refund of ticket.

“This relaxation is for journey period from March 21 – April 15, 2020”, the Railways said.

In case the train cancelled by Railways for journey period March 21 – April 15, refund across counter can be taken on submission of ticket upto 45 days from date of journey.

The Railways says in case the train not cancelled and passenger does not want to perform journey, then TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) can be filed within 30 days from date of journey at the station.

“TDR can be submitted to CCO/ CCM claims office for getting the refund with 60 days of filing of TDR subject to verification from train chart,” the Railways added.

For passengers who want cancel ticket through 139 can get refund across the counter within 30 days from date of journey.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in India on Saturday rose to 271.