GUWAHATI, March 23 - For better co-ordination and smooth management of the situation arising out of coronavirus pandemic, Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary today held a discussion with senior officials of the airport and railway authorities at Janata Bhawan.
During the meeting, the minister asked all stakeholders to work in unison and make necessary arrangements for smooth supply of medicines, foodgrains and other essential commodities.
To check the spread of the dreaded virus, the minister directed the health officials to make arrangements for marking all passengers arriving at the airports and the railway stations for mandatory home quarantine for two weeks.
Regional Executive Director Airport Authority of India (AAI) Sanjeev Jindal said adequate arrangements have been made at the airport. He said all passengers are being screened at the LGBI Airport. He assured that the AAI would support the State government for any assistance in the transport sector.�
Chief Commercial Manager of NF Railway VV Jituri stated that the Indian Railways has announced the closure of all passenger rail services across the nation till March 31, except the trains that have already started their journey. The remaining trains will culminate their journeys in Guwahati tomorrow.
However, freight rail services would continue to bring in all essential commodities to the State. Food and Civil Supplies Department would extend support to the NF Railway for providing trucks and labour for loading and unloading commodities.
In order to contain the outbreak of COVID-19, all IWT and private passenger ferry services have been suspended till March 31.
To ensure public safety and convenience, the Transport Department has also prohibited the use of passenger vehicles (Contract Carriages, Stage Carriages, Taxi Cabs, Maxi Cabs) and also private vehicles for transporting passengers or persons plying to and from Assam to other states and Union Territories till March 31.�
However, this order will not be applicable for emergency services like goods vehicles, medical services, fire and emergency services, personnel on government duty and other essential services. KK Dwivedi, Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department; Adil Khan, Commissioner, Transport, Razvee Hussain, Secretary, Transport Department; AP Tiwari, MD, ASTC and other officials were present in the meeting.
