TS allows inter-state travel, to decide on buses later

THE DECISION to allow inter-state movement of persons will give a major relief to people of other states stranded in Telangana state. THE GOVERNMENT will take a final decision in the coming days on allowing inter-state bus services.

The state government on Sunday decided to allow inter-state travel even as it continued the lockdown in containment zones till June 30 as announced by the Centre on Saturday. The lockdown in other areas will end on June 7.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reviewed the Covid-19 situation and implementation of the lockdown in the wake of the Centre issuing the fresh set of guidelines, with Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, DGP Mahender Reddy and senior officials at Pragathi Bhavan. He sought strict implementation of the lockdown curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. He told authorities to ensure that shops are open only till 8 pm and that there should not be any restrictions on interstate movement of persons in view of the new Central guidelines. The decision of allowing inter-state movement of persons will give a major relief to people of other states stranded in Telangana state. As per the government order, no separate permission will be required for inter-state movement.

As for allowing interstate bus services, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that as of now the state government had allowed passenger movement (private cars). With regard to bus services, including the RTC and private travels, the government will take a decision in the coming days. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Chandrashekar Rao directed officials to implement the relaxations announced by the Centre. He instructed officials to strictly implement the lockdown in containment zones. As per the directions of the Chief Minister, Somesh Kumar issued orders which will come into effect immediately on continuing the lockdown in containment zones till June 30.

According to the orders issued by the Chief Secretary, restriction on movement of persons (except those accessing emergency medical care) will continue from 9 pm to 5 am. No shop or establishment other than hospitals and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open after 8 pm. In respect of containment zones, provisions of lockdown order, which are currently in force. will stand extended till June 30.