Chennai, As the Tamil Nadu government announced more lockdown relaxations in Chennai and its three neighbouring districts in view of the slide in COVID cases, Southern Railway announced that members of the public will be allowed to travel on suburban EMU trains from tomorrow.

Prior to this, only essential services staffs were allowed to travel in workmen special trains. ASouthern Railway release here today said it all women passengers are permitted to travel round the clock, while male commuters not working in government, private or other offices will be allowed to travel only during non-peak hours.

The non-peak hours will be from the early hours of the day to 0700 hrs, 0930 hrs to 1630 hrs and from 1900 hrs to closing hours of the day. They will be issued only single journey tickets.

The peak hours will be 0700 to 0930 hrs, 1630 hrs to 1900 hrs.

Children below 12 years of age would be allowed to travel and has to be accompanied by women passengers.

It said staff of State/Central Govts/PSUs/High Court and other courts/Staff of private sector and other sectors with permission letter and ID cards will be allowed to travel round the clock.
Single/Return journey and season tickets will be issued to them. Commuters arriving or travelling on long-distance trains would also be issued single journey tickets on showing the train tickets.

Southern Railway appeals to all passengers using suburban train services to follow the COVID-19 protocols and those found without wearing masks inside railway premises or trains will be imposed Afine of Rs 500.

(Agencies)