Maharashtra: Know Rules About Use of Private and Public Transport In Lockdown From April 5 To 30

Pune, 5 April 2021: The Maharashtra state cabinet decided to impose strict restrictions to curb the rapid rise in corona infection. The restrictions will be implemented from 8 pm on Monday, 5th April to 30th April. 

These restrictions will henceforth be called ‘Break the Chain’ instead of ‘Mission Begin Again’, stated a press release from the state government. 

Private Transport: Private Vehicles including private buses can ply normally from 7 AM to 8 PM on Monday to Friday and for the purposes of emergency or essential services for rest of the period (8 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 8 PM on Friday to 7 AM on Monday).

Private buses, in addition will be subjected to the following:

a. To ply with only seating capacity. There should be no standing passengers ever.

b. Staff must get vaccinated as per GOI criteria and till vaccinated, all the staff must have a valid negative RT-PCR test result certificate valid till 15 days. This rule shall operate from 10th April 2021  

Public Transport will be fully operational with the following restrictions:

Auto Rickshaw – Driver + 2 passengers only

Taxi (4 wheelers) – Driver + 50% vehicle capacity as per RTO

Bus – Full seating occupancy as per RTO passing. However, no standing passengers will be allowed.

All persons using public transport to compulsorily wear a mask in a proper manner barring which fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on the offenders.

In 4 wheeler taxi, if any one person is not wearing a mask, the offender and the driver of the taxi will be fined an amount of Rs 500 each. 

All vehicles to be sanitized after every trip.

All public transport – drivers and other staff coming into contact with the public to get vaccinated at the earliest, as per criteria of GOI and till vaccinated completely to carry negative corona result certificate valid upto 15 days. This rule will come into effect from 10th April 2021. For taxis and autos, however, if the driver isolates himself or herself through a plastic sheet or otherwise he or she may be exempted from this requirement.

In case if any of the above are found to be without a negative RTPCR Certificate/ without being vaccinated as above, a fine of Rs 1000 will be levied.

In the case of out-station trains, railway authorities must ensure that there are no standing passengers in the general compartment and all passengers use masks.

Fine of Rs 500 to be levied in all trains for non-use of masks.