Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in certain areas, three states have issued orders asking domestic travellers to carry negative test reports or proof of vaccination to be allowed hassle-free entry.
These states are Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Let’s take a look at what’s required for train passengers heading to these destinations right now.
IRCTC trains are running normally. Book your trip here:
Uttar Pradesh
Travellers entering Uttar Pradesh between August 1–15 from nine states experiencing a high COVID-19 positivity rate will have to show one of these two documents at the point of entry:
- A negative RT-PCR test report for a sample collected between July 28 and July 31
- A certificate of complete vaccination (two doses) for COVID-19
This rule will apply to travellers arriving by any mode of transport from Maharashtra, Kerala, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram.
See the advisory here:
Credit: dgmhup.gov.in
Please note: State guidelines are dynamic and subject to change. We advise you to check entry and RT-PCR requirements on their official websites for a smooth journey.
Tamil Nadu
Starting August 5, passengers entering Tamil Nadu from Kerala via rail/road/air will have to carry a negative RT-PCR test report or a final vaccination certificate (two doses). The test needs to be taken within 72 hours of the journey, while the vaccine’s second shot should have been taken 14 days before the date of entry into Tamil Nadu.
The rule change was shared by the state’s Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, according to news reports.
Apart from this, all domestic travellers (except those coming from Puducherry) must register on tnepass.tnega.org for a movement pass before arrival.
Karnataka
All travellers arriving into Karnataka by rail/road/air from Maharashtra and Kerala will now have to produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours for entry. This will apply even if a passenger is partially or fully vaccinated and is carrying the vaccination certificate.
Railway authorities will be responsible for ensuring that all train passengers are carrying the negative test report. The following passengers may be exempted:
- Children below the age of 2 years
- Constitutional functionaries and healthcare workers
- People travelling for emergencies (death in the family, medical treatment, etc.). In such cases, the passenger’s swab will be collected on arrival along with their contact details.
Read more here:
Negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours now mandatory for travellers from Maharashtra and Kerala to Karnataka. This is irrespective of vaccination doses. Previously, those with one dose of the vaccination did not have to produce test report for travel. pic.twitter.com/PzdSj8vIja
— Prajwal (@prajwalmanipal) July 31, 2021
To get the full picture of India’s current train travel restrictions, we suggest you visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide. Have a safe journey!
