The Ministry of Railways on Thursday extended the Covid-related guidelines for six more months or till further instructions. “Not wearing masks on railway premises and in trains can attract a fine of up to Rs 500,” the notification read.“Passengers are requested to read the health advisory guidelines issued by different states before the commencement of their journey to these states,” the Indian Railways Seva wrote on Twitter.As per an order issued by the board, the penalty was supposed to be in place till September but has now been extended for another six months.Through an order issued on 17 April, the Railway Board had informed the zones to ensure that everybody wore face masks or face covers on railway premises, including trains.It had asked the zones to impose fines up to Rs 500 under the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012 on those found without such masks.The penalty shall be imposed by authorised railway officials, it had said in the order.”Now, the matter has been reviewed and it has now been decided that the validity of the said instruction is further extended by six (6) months i.e. up to 16.04.2022 or till further instructions issued in this regard,” the Railway Board’s order said.The announcement comes in a day when 22,431 people tested positive for Covid-19. With this, the country’s total tally of coronavirus infections rose to 3,38,94,312, while the active cases declined to 2,44,198, the lowest in 204 days, according to the Union Health Ministry said today.
