Don’t use trains if having cough, cold or fever: GMR

Railways General Manager Dilantha Fernando requested the public not to use the railway services from tomorrow when the curfew is lifted if they have cough, cold or fever which could be COVID-19 symptoms.

He said 23 trains will be operated to transport commuters especially government and other essential service employees to Colombo from other provinces.

“The people who arrive at stations should have to have a valid curfew pass or a valid document. Those who have seasons do not need to renew for this month. Those who have the previous month's train season are permitted to use it for this month as well,” Mr.Fernando said.

Accordingly, office trains would be operating from Kandy, Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Maho, Ganewatte, Ragama, Chillaw, Puttalam, Avissawella, Kosgama, Beliatta, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Aluthgama stations, he said.

"All the trains arrive from these locations will leave for Colombo in the morning according to the usual time table and the trains will leave from Colombo Fort every evening starting from 4.30 p.m," Mr Fernando said.

He also requested all commuters to wear face masks recommended by the Health Ministry to use as a preventive method from COVID-19 virus.

He requested the railway officials to accommodate a maximum of 50 commuters in a compartment as recommended by the Health officials.

"According to the Railways Act, it is strictly prohibited to spit out from train compartments even travelling and at stations. 

Such actions would be strictly monitored and legal actions would be taken against them," he said

Begging and selling foods in the train while travelling would also be prohibited. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)