Trains would continue to run; no need for COVID-negative certificate: Railways

Indian railway on Friday clarified that it has no plan to stop or curtail train services and assured passengers that trains would be provided on demand. Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma offered the clarification amidst reports of migrant workers rushing to their hometown, similar to the mass migrant exodus in the early months of the lockdown in 2020.

"There is no plan to curtail or stop train services. We will run as many services as required. There is no cause for alarm. We can run trains immediately on demand if there is any rush. This rush is normal during the summer season, and we have already announced trains to clear the rush," he said at a press briefing.

Trains have been witnessing an increasing number of passengers the past week in fear of an imminent lockdown. "There is no shortage of trains for those who want to travel. I assure everyone that trains will be provided on demand," Mr Sharma said. He further ruled out the need for covid negative certificates to travel by trains. The railways haven't received any communication from Maharashtra to curb the movement of trains either, he added.