The Maharashtra government, on Tuesday, announced severe curfew-like restrictions on public movement, starting April 14, for the next 15 days. The ‘lockdown like’ restrictions, which will come into effect from 8 pm, will remain until 7 am on May 1. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in his 38-minute long speech, said the “war against coronavirus has begun again,” as he announced stricter prohibitions to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Thackeray’s announcement of the new curbs came on a day when Maharashtra recorded 60,212 fresh coronavirus cases and 281 fatalities.
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Among all the restrictions, here are the guidelines for public and private transport in Maharashtra.
Public transport will be fully operational with the following restrictions:
Auto-rickshaw – driver and two passengers only
Taxi or 4 wheelers: Driver and 50% vehicle capacity as per RTO
Bus: Full seating occupancy as per RTO passing. However, no standing passengers will be allowed
All persons using public transport to wear masks in a proper manner. Failing to do so will attract a fine of Rs 500.
In a 4-wheeler taxi, failure to wear masks will attract Rs 500 fine from both the passengers and the driver.
All public transport drivers and staff members to get vaccinated at the earliest.
In the case of out-station trains, railway authorities ensure that there are no standing passengers in the general compartment. Failing to follow protocols will attract Rs 500 fine.
Persons arriving/departing by any bus/train/flight from on towards place of residence may only travel on basis of a valid ticket through public transport.
For private transport:
Private vehicles including buses to function only for the purposes of emergency. Failing to follow protocols will attract a fine of Rs 1000.
Private buses to follow seating capacity and standing passengers are strictly prohibited.
Staff must get vaccinated as per the Government of India criteria and must display ‘exemplary COVID appropriate behaviour’.