The Centre on Sunday gave the go-ahead for cabs, taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and other forms of public transport to function as the nationwide lockdown was extended until May 31. State governments, however, can choose to keep the services prohibited
The new lockdown guidelines have given states more authority on deciding on restrictions while paving the way for most economic activities to restart
Cabs, taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and other forms of public transport will now be allowed to operate across the country except in containment zones, according to revised guidelines issued by the Centre. The revised guidelines were issued as the nationwide lockdown, imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, was extended till May 31.
While announcing Lockdown 4.0, the Centre significantly eased the restrictions imposed across the country. All activities except a chosen few have been allowed in Lockdown 4.0. However, states have been given the power to impose additional restrictions in areas.
So for example, while cabs and rickshaws have not been prohibited by the Centre except in containment zones, a state government can choose to keep them off the roads if it so wishes. States have also been given the authority to demarcate red, orange and green zone, and decide on restrictions in those areas.
The Centre’s guidelines for Lockdown 4.0 also allow for inter-state movement of people with the condition that two neighbouring states must agree on that. Domestic air travel and metro services within cities, however, will remain shut.
The new guidelines have given states more authority on deciding on restrictions while paving the way for most economic activities to restart. The guidelines come on a day the total number novel coronavirus cases in the country crossed 90,000, including over 2,800 deaths.
