Reservations of seats for journey in general compartments of mail/express trains were made compulsory by N. F. Railway during the Covid-19 pandemic period in line with the policy of the Government. As per the guidelines issued by the Govt. of India, social distancing is a key measure to stop the spread of Covid-19. As general coaches are normally passenger packed, resulting into higher risk of spreading the pandemic, N. F. Railway followed the guidelines for social distancing not only in railway stations but also in the train’s coaches during a journey.
Now, as the Covid-19 pandemic is relatively contained, so the Ministry of Railways has decided to de-reserve the second class sitting coaches or the general compartments of the mail/express trains. The de-reservation of the general class sitting accommodation of coaches will be effective from 30thJune, 2022 onwards in 91 numbers of mail/express trains depending on date of journey being operated by N. F. Railway.
The de-reservation of the general coaches are being implemented to provide benefits to the general passengers those usually commutes short distance journey and also to normalize the travelling scenario back to pre Covid-19 period. Passengers can now undertake journey even without having a reserved ticket.
