THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said it is not time to start inter-district bus service and inter-state train services as the Lockdown-2 will come to an end on May 17.

“This will be mentioned to the government. The list of requests for lockdown relaxations in certain areas will also be sent to the Centre,” the chief minister said at Tuesday press-meet.

“The State’s stand is that bus service should be allowed within each district. In that case, the number of commuters will be restricted and strict security measures will be imposed. As the number of passengers will be restricted, the ticket fare will have to be increased.
Cancellation of permits as well as other penal actions will be taken against those who disobey instructions.

The chief minister said request would be made to allow passenger trains and Metro train within the State. “State will also request for starting non-stop train service from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabd, Chennai and Bengaluru to Kerala.”

Other requests are for allowing
1) commercial-business activities in urban and rural areas except in containment zones.
2)reopening of restaurants where social distancing norms will be followed
3) auto rickshaws with one passenger with exemption if travellers are family members.
4)steps to expedite construction works so that maximum works can be completed before monsoon
5)to make employment guarantee scheme applicable also to farming sector