AS cases of Covid-19 are rising fast in major cities of Madhya Pradesh, including Jabalpur, the State Government has issued strict guidelines and precautionary measures such as wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing etc. The State Government has asked all concerned authorities to ensure following guidelines in toto. But, it seem that the West Central Railways (WCR) is not so serious the same at railway platforms. Commuters are not paying much attention to susing masks and maintaining physical distancing at platforms and during journey. The Railway authorities too are looking relaxed in implementing the directions, as no official or railway employee are seen at the railway platforms who urge or direct passengers using face masks or maintain proper physical distancing.

 

The lethargy of Railways may prove dear to the citizens and to the Government’s efforts being made to prevent people from the dreadful virus. It may be noted that the State Government has taken stringent measures like night curfews, Sunday lockdown, closure of swimming polls, gyms and cinema halls, gathering at marriage ceremonies and funerals has been reduced to 50 and 20 respectively. On the contrary, the Indian Railways is not adhering to Covid-19 protocols. The dilly-dallying attitude of Railways is likely to put lives of its passengers at risk. There was no checking of facemasks. As a result, the passengers can be seen without masks. Neither pedal sanitiser machines have been available at entry points of the station nor the luggage of passengers was sanitised.

 

‘The Hitavada’ spoke to senior authorities in connection with the matter. CPRO Rahul Jaipuria said, “there are posters installed at the railway stations, informing people about the importance of wearing face masks. We inform people through public announce system. We also run a social media campaign. The Railway Enquiry Number informers the caller about the importance of wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and using sanitizers. PRO I A Siddiqui said “In the past, we have conducted awareness drive regarding the importance of wearing face masks. The vendors and employees wear a facemask. If any passenger is seen without a facemask, we counsel the passengers and tell them that wearing a mask is compulsory while traveling.

 

The passengers are told that they have to wear a mask at the station and in the waiting room too.” WHAT PASSENGERS SAID B K Sabharwal Passenger Sabharwal when asked why is not apply face make he said “I do not need to wear a face mask because I am sitting alone. I wear a mask only if I am sitting close to someone.” Ravi Shah Making lame excuse Ravi said he left his mask in the train and would purchase new mask before boarding the next train. Muskan When asked why she is so reluctant to wear face mask despite danger of corona spread, Muskan said she would use mask after sometime. Actually she did not a mask with her.