GUWAHATI: For better co-ordination and smooth management of the situation arising out of novel Corona virus pandemic, Assam transport minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary held a discussion with senior officials from airport and railway authorities at Janata Bhawan here in presence of officers of Transport, Food & Civil Supplies, and Health & Family Welfare departments.
The transport minister asked all stakeholders to work in coordination and make necessary arrangements for smooth supply of medicines, food grains and other essential commodities.
Sanjeev Jindal, Regional Executive Director, Airport Authority of India (AAI) informed that all passengers were being screened at LGBI Airport. He added that adequate arrangements had been made at the airport. He further stated that AAI would support Government of Assam for any assistance in transport sector.
VV Jituri, Chief Commercial Manager, NF Railway, stated that Indian Railways had announced the closure of all passenger rail services across the nation till March 31, except the trains that have already started the journey. Remaining such trains will culminate the journeys tomorrow in Guwahati. However, freight rail services would continue to bring in all essential commodities to the State. Food and Civil Supplies Department would extend support to NF Railway for providing trucks and labour for loading and unloading commodities.
Transport Minister directed the health officials to arrange to stamp all passengers arriving at airports and railway stations for mandatory home quarantine for two weeks, to avoid spread of the virus.
In order to contain the outbreak of Covid-19, all IWT and private passenger ferry services, have been suspended up to Mach 31, 2020. Transport Department has also prohibited the use of passenger vehicles (i.e. 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 for public safety and convenience up to March 31, 2020.
However, this order will not be applicable for emergency services like goods vehicles, medical services, fire & emergency services, personnel on Government duty and other essential services.