With the state currently in control of the fight against Covid, the Kerala Government has pitched for more intra-state and intra-district relaxations. Following a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Kerala has sought Centre’s nod to resume domestic air services, passenger trains, metro rail and bus services, adhering to health safety standards.
The CM said that they have sought permission for special non-stop trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and other major cities.
“The state has suggested intra-district bus service but not inter-district services. The bus service can be allowed by strictly following social distancing. Strict punitive measures, including cancellation of permits of those operators who violate safety precautions, should be taken. Since the buses will have to ply with limited number of passengers, the fares can be hiked to compensate the loss,” CM suggested.
The memorandum also sought permission to restart hospitality services with maintaining strict social distancing inside the restaurants outside of containment zones.
On Monday, Kerala CM had suggested that states should have the flexibility in changing lockdown guidelines. He also said that allowing public and metro rail services by following social distancing norms should be allowed everywhere minus the red zones. Three-wheelers can be allowed with just one passenger. Relaxations can be given in the case of families, the state suggested.
Kerala also wanted the Centre to ease curbs for commercial and industrial units to function in urban and rural areas, except those in containment zones.
As per current updates, Kerala might resume domestic flights and metro rail services once the third phase of the lockdown ends on May 17. After an early spike, the number of cases reported daily in Kerala has come down compared to neighbouring states.