Heard on Bhopal Janshatabdi: Why do I need Aarogya Setu app?

Ramendra.Singh@timesgroup.com

Bhopal: Last-minute arrival? Check. Heavy bags? Check. Carelessness? Unchecked.

Even the Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t been able to change old habits in a large section of rail passengers in India. You know the ‘new normal’ is off the tracks when passengers question why they need to install the Aarogya Setu app and why they can’t carry heavy luggage.

TOI took the Bhopal-Jabalpur to Itarsi and back and found shocking lapses by passengers and officials alike on both runs. At both stations, no official was seen checking passengers for Aarogya Setu app and its status at entry and exit.

The app is mandatory for everyone getting on a plane or train, but despite the buzz around it, many passengers claimed to be unaware it’s a must. “Do I really need to download this app? How it will help me?" asked passenger Ram Yadav when TOI asked him if anyone had checked his Aarogya Setu status at the Itarsi station entrance.

Then, there are the latecomers, come rain, shine or Coronavirus. Despite being repeatedly told to reach the station at least 90 minutes before departure for Covid screening, people still turned up at the last minute or even past it both at Itarsi and Bhopal.