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Travelling After Unlock 4.0? Know the New Road Travel RulesTravelling After Unlock 4.0? Know the New Road Travel Rules

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Ever since the first phase of lockdown began on March 24, our lives have never been the same. Limiting the movement of the entire population as a preventive measure saw people getting restless to reach their homes. However, in a bid to bring a sense of normalcy and help the economy from dipping further, every subsequent phase of the lockdown lifted some more restrictions. Even now central and state governments are taking calculated risks by relaxing the rules for interstate and intrastate travel as the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. In its phase 4, also known as Unlock 4.0 order dated August 29 and that was implemented for a month starting September 1 saw the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) permitting people to travel across the country in their vehicles without the need to apply for a travel e-pass for it. Let’s learn about the rules of different states, as well.

1. What are the types of Travelling Restrictions after Unlock 4.0? 

• Different unlock phases saw public transport services like trains, buses, and flights operating again while following the safety SOP’s (standard operating procedure). According to Unlock 4.0 guidelines, prior travel permission to travel by road and the e-passes were withdrawn. The Central Government even made it clear to the states and union territories that they will not be permitted to enforce lockdowns outside containment zones without a nod from the Centre. 

International air travel, unless the flights were permitted by MHA, remained suspended. But the good news was Delhi Metro, that ferries commuters across its 400-odd km network, was the latest to join the list when it resumed services on September 7. Bengaluru Metro and Kolkata Metro also followed suit. 

• Elderly people over the age of 65 and children below the age of 10, were advised to stay at home. Their travel was permitted only for essential and health purposes.

• Earlier, only three occupants were permitted in hatchbacks and sedan, while in SUVs the permissible number was 4. The restrictions on numbers in personal cars were lifted with the instruction of following safety protocols like all drivers and passengers should be wearing face masks. 

• Though not mandated by the government, buying travel insurance policy at this time can serve you well as it will cover you against flight-related uncertainties like loss of baggage, passport, flight cancellations, etc. along with cover for medical emergencies. You can buy travel insurance online by opting for the one that provides maximum benefits at a premium that fits your budget. 

2. How is road travel affected by COVID-19 in India?

• The new rules were expected to make travel smoother, but not all states agreed to adhere to the rules set by the Central Government. For example, the Meghalaya government sealed off the state’s borders prohibiting inter-state travel. Other states like Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh continued to ask for e-pass in some form or other for those coming in from other states. 

• Most of the buses plying to various parts remained under prohibition in Himachal Pradesh.

• Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh asked inter-state travelers to register on the Smart City web portal and also insisted on quarantining the individuals visiting from cities where the number of cases is substantial. 

• Tamil Nadu limited inter-state trains until September 15 and allowed the Chennai airport to receive 50 flights a day.

• In Goa, beach shacks were ordered to remain closed. 

• In Gujarat, city buses were allowed to operate with 50-60% occupancy. Auto-rickshaws could commence operations with up to two people, excluding the driver.

• Some states, like Punjab, Mizoram, and Uttar Pradesh continued to implement night curfews in a curtailed manner. Some states want travelers to furnish COVID-19 test reports. 

Conclusion

Courtesy of the pandemic, many travelers prefer to use private vehicles over public transport, keeping the safety and hygiene factors in mind. While staying home is still the safest choice as the fear of infection looms large, but in case, you have to travel, it’s best to be aware of the rules of the state you are visiting and adhere to them while taking all necessary safety precautions. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

 

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