After MHA allows inter-state travel, Odisha becomes first state to resume bus services

A day after Central Government permitted inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles and buses, Odisha became first state to resume bus services, amid nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

Anuncing same, Odisha Minister Padmanabha Behera said that State Transport Authority has initiated process of resuming bus services. Earlier, Odisha Government had allowed buses to bus at inter-district and intra-district levels in green zones only. 

Before lockdown 4.0 began on Monday, Ministry of Home Affairs issued a fresh list of activities that are permitted and prohibited in fourth phase. According to latest guidelines, State Governments have been permitted to resume bus services from May 18.

READ | Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Bus Service To Start From May 18

MHA Guidelines For Lockdown 4.0

On Sunday, MHA issued fresh guidelines for fourth phase of nationwide lockdown from May 18 to May 31. distinction has been made in permitted activities as far as Red, Orange, and Green zones are concerned. However, only essential activities will be allowed in containment zones. Moreover, state governments and Union Territories have been empowered to decide demarcation of three zones. Meanwhile, movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am except for essential activities. 

READ | Odisha Allows Passenger Bus Service In Green Zone

List of prohibited activities during lockdown 4.0:

1.  All domestic and international air travel of passengers barring for medical purposes, air ambulance, security and or purposes permitted by MHA
2. Metro rail services
3. All educational institutions
4. Hotels, restaurants, and or hospitality services except for those housing frontline workers
5. Cinema halls, swimming pools, shopping malls, gyms, entertainment parks, atres, bars, auditoriums
6. All kind of garings
7. Movement of people between 7 pm and 7 am except for essential services
8. Consumption of liquor, gutka, tobacco etc. in public places

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READ | MHA Releases Guidelines For Lockdown Till May 31; States To Decide Red, orange, Green Zones