Guwahati News Desk: Reservations of seats for journey in general compartments of mail/express trains were made compulsory by Northeast Frontier Railway during the Covid-19 pandemic period in line with the policy of the Government. As per the guidelines issued by the Govt. of India, social distancing is a key measure to stop the spread of Covid-19. As general coaches are normally passenger packed, resulting into higher risk of spreading the pandemic, N. F. Railway followed the guidelines for social distancing not only in railway stations but also in the train’s coaches during a journey.
Now, as the Covid-19 pandemic is relatively contained, so the Ministry of Railways has decided to de-reserve the second class sitting coaches or the general compartments of the mail/express trains. The de-reservation of the general class sitting accommodation of coaches will be effective from 30th June, 2022 onwards in 91 numbers of mail/express trains depending on date of journey being operated by N F Railway.
The de-reservation of the general coaches are being implemented to provide benefits to the general passengers those usually commutes short distance journey and also to normalize the travelling scenario back to pre Covid-19 period. Passengers can now undertake journey even without having a reserved ticket.
In addition, NF Railway has decided to run a pair of Holi special superfast train between Shalimar (Kolkata) – New Jalpaiguri – Shalimar (Kolkata), to clear the extra rush of passengers. Train No. 02885, will commence its journey on 17th March, 2022 (Thursday), from Shalimar station at 13:40 hours to reach its destination at New Jalpaiguri station, next day at 00:10 hours. Likewise, train No. 02886 will start its journey from New Jalpaiguri station on 18th of March, 2022 (Friday), at 11:45 hours to arrive its destination at Shalimar station, next day at 00:20 hours.
The details of stoppages and timings of these trains are available at IRCTC website and are also being notified in various newspapers and social media platforms of N. F. Railway. Passengers are requested to see these details before undertaking their journey.