With the imposition of strict COVID-19 measures and restrictions in Maharashtra, the police have reintroduced the e-pass system in “extreme emergency” circumstances for inter-district and inter-state travel.

“The e-pass system has been reintroduced from Friday and citizens should use it in the case of absolute emergency”, said Sanjay Pandey, the Director-General of Police.

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Follow these steps to apply for an e-pass:

1) Visit the official website: covid19.mhpolice.in

2) Click on ‘apply for pass here’

3) Select the place you want to travel to

4) Submit the necessary documents and mention the reason

Those unable to access the online system can visit the nearest police station for the e-pass, Pandey said.

E-passes were first introduced in 2020 during the first nationwide lockdown for emergency purposes. Over a lakh passes were issued.

New restrictions on attendance in offices, weddings and travel were brought to effect on Thursday.

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Mumbai police, recently introduced colour-coded stickers for vehicles to restrict vehicular movement to essential services only. 

S Chaitanya, Mumbai City police spokesperson, said that Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police were authorised to issue the passes for travelling outside the city.

For travel inside city limits, the colour coding system will continue, Chaitanya added.