Chennai, Jan 8:From Monday, Southern Railway has made two doses of COVID vaccination jabs mandatory for travelling in suburban EMU trains, while imposing a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing face masks.

Announcing new guidelines for commuters travelling in suburban train services in Chennai region from January 10, Southern Railway sources said only passengers with two doses of vaccination

will be allowed for travel in view of the rising cases of COVID and fast spread of the Omicron variant .

The new restrictions would be in force till January 31.

In view of the pandemic situation prevailing in the country and taking into account the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Tamil Nadu government, Southern Railway

has been imposing various restrictions and relaxations wherever required for passengers travelling

in suburban trains.

Taking into account the current surge in the COVID cases and threat of Omicron variant, the State government has imposed several restrictions January six.

In line with this, suburban train services would be operated with 50 per cent seating capacity. Only passengers possessing COVID vaccination certificate (both doses) will be permitted to travel in suburban trains.

The passengers should produce the second dose vaccination certificate /Final Certificate for the issue of journey/season tickets at the counters along with their valid ID proofs.

For passengers already possessing season tickets issued prior to today, the passengers should compulsorily carry the second dose vaccination certificate/Final Certificate along with their valid

ID proofs and produce the same on demand by the ticket checking staff.

UTS ON Mobile App service will not be available in order to comply with the above.

The Southern Railway also appealed to the passengers to follow all the COVID-19 protocols issued by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the State Government , adhere to all COVID appropriate behavior such as social distancing, wearing of masks and washing of hands at regular intervals while in the station and on board the train.

The Railway administration would impose a penalty of Rs.500 if the passenger was found not wearing the face mask.(UNI)