The Indian Railways is reportedly in talks to operate special trains for the Konkan region on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The national transporter is known to be in talks with the Maharashtra government, seeking its views on the running of special trains to the Konkan region through Central, Western and Konkan railways.
Abhay Yawalkar, the Director of the state Disaster Management Unit, consulted with the principal chief operations manager of the Central Railway regarding the operations of special trains during the 10-day festival, set to begin on August 22.
Ganesh Chaturthi is recognized as one of the much-celebrated festivals of Maharashtra and therefore, such special measures are being considered in order to cheer people up during the current times of COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of trains and frequency can be determined based on the demand, he said, adding that a valid confirmed ticket can also serve as an e-pass.
Yawalkar further in his statement asked the Indian Railways authorities to ensure the following of COVID-19 norms during such journeys. The Maharashtra states are the worst affected region in the entire nation from COVID-19. Therefore, the government is focusing on the implementation of prevention norms such as social distancing and sanitization, to be mandatorily followed in trains and at railway stations.