Trains, flights unlikely to resume operations after May 3: reports

Railways and flights are unlikely to resume operations after May 3 amid the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, according to reports. Prime Minister had extended the duration of the lockdown last week to May 3, though some restriction will be eased post April 20.

As per NDTV, airlines have been told not to take bookings after May 3. A Group of Ministers (GoM) attended a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and expressed their concern over lifting travel restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, rail and air travel may not resume even after the lockdown period. A final call regarding the same would be taken after receiving inputs from the health ministry.

Air and rail travel were suspended in March in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. The nationwide lockdown came into effect on March 25, and was extended last week to May 3.

On Saturday, the government had said that no decision had been taken with regard to domestic and international travel. This came hours after Air India announced that it is taking bookings from May 4 on some domestic routes, adding that international routes may be open from June 1.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarifies that so far no decision has been taken to open domestic or international operations. Airlines are advised to open their bookings only after a decision in this regard has been taken by the Government,” Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted.