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Govt. urged to ensure train passengers’ safety 

10 Aug 2021

By Buddhika Samaraweera Trade unions within the Railways Department have pointed out that the Transport Ministry and the health authorities should work together to formulate a programme to operate train services whereby they ensure the health safety of the passengers in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation.  Speaking to The Morning, the Sri Lanka Station Masters Union (SLSMU) General Secretary Kasun Chamara said that Covid-19, which is currently spreading rapidly, could be easily transmitted through the train services if the necessary precautions are not taken by the authorities. “In the early days of the outbreak of Covid-19, the Government, in particular the health authorities, imposed certain restrictions on the operation of public transportation systems. At that time, necessary facilities were provided to reserve train seats and the passengers were allowed to get aboard according to the number of seats that were available. The passengers were also able to sit in a way so that social distancing was maintained,” he noted. However, he added that there was a risk of the spread of the virus through train services as trains are currently overcrowded. “At present, there is no system to identify those who travel for essential services, and therefore, tickets have to be issued to everyone,” he elaborated. Adding that a significant number of employees of the Railways Department have been infected with Covid-19 so far, Chamara explained that in such a situation, it would be difficult to operate the train services in the future if arrangements are not made to take necessary precautions. Considering the matter, he suggested that the Transport Ministry prepare a programme to implement a system through which passengers could reserve seats. In addition, he said that it is important to give priority to those who travel for essential duties on trains. However, Chamara also commented on the possible issues that may arise in taking such action. He elaborated that if arrangements are made for the transportation of passengers according to the seating capacity, it would not be possible to cater to the needs of all the passengers. He therefore emphasised the importance of avoiding such practical problems and ensuring that Covid-19 does not spread through the train services. Attempts to contact the Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge and Railways Department General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara to inquire about the matter were unsuccessful.  


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