A Borivali couple vaccinated against COVID-19 in California were denied a local train pass in Mumbai. They were jabbed earlier this year; however, their immunisation status did not reflect on the Co-Win app. The couple were denied a railway pass since there are no provisions for the concerned authorities to recognise a vaccine taken outside of the country. At present, the railways are not issuing tickets.
In February 2020, the couple Angela Fernandes (65) and her husband Cajetan (71) had visited their son in the US. However, due to the pandemic-induced lockdown, they couldn't return. With a controlled situation across the world, they decided to come back to India in 2021. Though the couple decided to get themselves vaccinated there before commencing the journey.
Angela Fernandes said they both got the Moderna vaccine over 28 days with a CDC Vaccination Record card. They just had to show their passports which made the process easier.
After returning to India, they tried getting a railway pass in September but failed to get one. It was brought to their notice that they must show a certificate that indicates full vaccination issued through the Co-Win portal, as per current rules.
Abhishek Ghosalkar, former Shiv Sena corporator, said that he tried helping the couple but failed. He said that there must be a way to work this out since international flights are now resuming with many commuters who would have been inoculated outside the country.
Meanwhile, Sumit Thakur, Chief PRO of Central Railways, said that a pass would be issued by the railways if the municipal corporation approves of it or if a universal e-pass was issued on the portal.
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