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The Ministry of Railways on Thursday has clarified that reservation for train journeys after April 14 was never stopped.

It also stated that certain media reports which have claimed that Railways has started reservation for post-lockdown period are false.

“A section of media is reporting that Railways has resumed ticket booking from April 15 which is not correct,” the Ministry said in a statement.

“It is to clarify that reservations for journeys after April 14 was never stopped and is not related to any new announcement,” it added.

The Ministry also stated that advanced reservation period for ticket bookings after April 15 was opened before the 21 day nationwide lockdown period had started.

“Since, advance reservation period for taking reserved ticket is 120 days, ticket bookings for April 15 and beyond were made open much prior to lockdown period,” it added.

The Ministry of Railways on March 25 announced that all its passenger train services would discontinue services till April 14.

“In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the cancellation of passenger train services on Indian Railways, i.e. all Mail/Express trains (including premium trains), passenger trains, suburban trains and trains of Metro Railway, Kolkata shall be extended till 12 pm of April 14, 2020.

“However, freight train operations are being continued to ensure the supply essential commodities,” it added.