As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on across India, more and more areas are being put under lockdown once again in an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Anyway, the latest to join the list is Bengaluru, where the lockdown which will come into effect from 8 pm tonight and will stay in effect till 5 am on 22 July. And here is a quick summary of what's allowed, what's not, the travel rules, etc. during the week-long lockdown in Bengaluru.
1. All forms of public transport, including buses, metros, and taxis will not be allowed to operate during the lockdown unless there's an emergency.
2. Private offices as well as most government offices will be shut during the Bangalore lockdown. This will exclude those involved in the provision of essential services -- folks going to work for essential services do not need a travel e pass and can simply use their organisation ID cards to travel.
3. Shops that essential items such as vegetables, groceries, and milk will be allowed to operate albeit only between 5 am and 12 pm during the lockdown in Bengaluru. And remember, it would be wise to restrict any travel to shop for essential items within your vicinity. In case you can't find you need, the authorities have allowed home delivery of essential services, so you don't have to go out.
4. Inter-state and intra-state travel via private vehicles and passenger vehicles is not allowed unless there's an emergency. And in such a case, you will still need to apply for a Bangalore travel pass for emergencies or for permitted activities via the Seva Sindhu portal.
5. Scheduled flights and trains do not fall under the purview of the latest Bangalore travel restrictions. According to the Bangalore travel rules during the new lockdown, trains and flights will continue to operate as scheduled. So, if you are travelling via a flight or need to catch a train, you will not need to get a travel e pass because your ticket will act serve as your pass.