THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Masks are no longer mandatory on trains. Southern Railway has lifted the fine of Rs 500 that was imposed for not wearing a mask. Individuals can wear the mask of their choice.

Mandatory use of masks was lifted in Tamil Nadu. With this, wearing masks only on trains created practical difficulties. The new order is to avoid the need to make the mask mandatory only for passengers from Kerala. The Kerala government has also stopped charging fines and taking police action for not wearing a mask.

The mask should be worn on travel to North Indian cities as the Railway Board has not issued an order regarding the same.