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The Indian Railways on Sunday announced the cancellation of all passenger trains till March 31 in the wake of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread in the country.
On the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a "Public Curfew" was observed by Indians Sunday in a bid to minimise crowding and ensure social distancing.
"In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided that all passenger train services on Indian Railways shall be cancelled till 2400 hours of March 31. However, bare minimum level of services of suburban trains and Kolkata Metro Rail shall continue up to 2400 hours of March 22," said an official communication issued by the Indian Railways.
It further stated that the trains which had already commenced their journey prior to 0400 hours of March 22 will run up to their destinations.
Adequate arrangements shall be made for the passengers, who had commenced their journey during the travel and at their destinations, announced the Indian Railways.
However, in order to ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country, movement of goods trains will continue, it added.
Meanwhile, according to the official data put up by the country's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 in India rose to five on Sunday when one person died in south-western state of Maharashtra.
Though, media reports said that the sixth death was reported from eastern state of Bihar.
