Railway ministry writes letter to Bengal government over resuming local train service

The Railway Ministry sent a letter to the West Bengal government asking for a discussion on resuming local train services in the state. The letter asked when the discussion could be held.

People are slowing resuming to their normal life amid COVID-19 situation. Recently, the Union Home Ministry has issued guidelines for Unlock 5. The new guidelines allow cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, and even amusement parks outside the containment zone to open. But there was no news regarding the resuming of local trains in West Bengal.

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In the COVID-19 situation, only a few special trains are running for the railway workers at present. According to the letter from the railways, ordinary passengers are also trying to get on the special train by ignoring the ban in the unlocked phase. 
As a result, there were blockades and protests at several stations recently. In this situation, the railways have expressed interest in discussions with the state to run local trains from the suburbs. 

According to the railways, local train services in West Bengal can resume in compliance with the COVID rules. But if the state government does not give permission, it is not possible to resume the service. Therefore, the railway ministry has sent a letter to the state asking for a date of discussion through video conference. 

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However, the state government has not responded yet to the letter. Meanwhile, the RPFO has issued a guideline on the rules to be followed if rail services get resumed in West Bengal.
 

• railway
• local train service
• state government
• west bengal