Indian Railways has urged and appealed to people with serious ailments, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 and those aged above 65 to avoid train travel if they are suffering from any pre-existing health conditions.
The ministry in a statement said, “Ministry of Railways appeals that persons with co-morbidities (for example – hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiency conditions), pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years and persons above 65 years of age may avoid travel by rail, except when it is essential.”
“It has been observed that some people who are availing this service have pre-existing medical conditions which aggravate the risk they face during the COVID-19 pandemic. A few unfortunate cases of deaths related to pre-existing medical conditions while travelling has happened,” the Indian Railways said in a statement.
The ministry also said that the railway family “is working 24×7 to ensure that rail services are provided to all the citizens of the country needing to travel” adding that “safety of our passengers is our biggest concern. So, we seek the cooperation of all citizens in this matter. In case of any distress or emergency, please do not hesitate to reach out to your railway family and we will help you as always. (Helpline number – 139 & 138).”
(Source: PIB)
