New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) In view of the increasing number of coronavirus patients in the country, the national transporter on Sunday announced stopping of all the trains, except goods trains to maintain supply of essential services, till March 31.
Rajesh Dutt Bajpai, Executive Director, Ministry of Railways, in a statement said, "No train except goods trains will be run up to midnight hrs of March 31."
Bajpai said bare minimum suburban services and Kolkata metro rail service will continue to run till midnight on March 22.
"Thereafter these services will also be stopped till midnight of March 31," he added.
Senior railway ministry officials said that the trains that have started their journey on Sunday before 4 a.m. and are on their journey will continue to their destinations.
The official said that the freight trains will continue in service to ensure supply of essential services.
The national transporter's decision came amid reports of two fresh deaths from COVID-19 in Maharashtra and Bihar.
On Sunday, the total number of COVID-19 patients reached 324.
In view of 'Janata Curfew', the Indian Railways had already decided to cancel long distance trains originating between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. The railways has also cancelled all passengers trains across the country.
By Saturday, the railways had cancelled 245 pairs of trains across the country and also stopped providing blankets in the air-conditioned coaches.
