Rlys hike platform ticket price to prevent large gatherings

Kolkata: People seeing off and receiving their relatives or friends at railway stations will have to shell out more money from their pockets, as Indian Railways has increased the price of platform tickets five times to prevent gathering of crowds in a bid to stop the spread of Coronavirus. South Eastern Railway (SER) has cancelled two trains, while Eastern Railway conducted a meeting.

"The cost of platform ticket at Howrah station is now Rs 50. Earlier, the same platform ticket used to cost Rs 10," said Bidhan Chandra, public relations officer, SER. Tatanagar-LTT Antyodaya Express leaving Tatanagar on March 19, March 22, March 26 and March 29 will remain cancelled, along with LTT-Tatanagar Antyodaya Express leaving LTT on March 21, March 24, March 28 and March 31.

Kolkata Metro Railway has opened an Isolation Ward and Fever Clinic at Tapan Sinha Memorial Hospital. Arrangements have also been made to quarantine suspected patients.

They are also witnessing a significant decline in footfall. While a footfall of 5.32 lakh was marked on Monday, it dipped to 4.87 lakh on Wednesday. Posters and banners are also on display at different stations of Metro Railway to educate commuters about Coronavirus infection. Special videos and announcements are also being played at all stations to educate people about the dos and don'ts in order to battle against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the state Transport department has also issued an advisory for people coming to Regional Transport Offices or Regional Transport Authority for their driving test.

"People are advised to avoid gatherings and to maintain at least 1 metre distance from persons who are coughing or sneezing. All concerned have been requested to ensure that the number of persons visiting RTO/ARTO officers for Learner's Licence/Driving Licence is kept to a bare minimum, giving priority only to the urgent cases," pointed out the advisory.