Coronavirus in India: how to apply online for the curfew e-pass by state during lockdown

Since India was placed under a three-week lockdown on 24 March, movement has been restricted but some state governments are issuing e-passes online.

NARINDER NANU

AS USA

Update: May 13th, 2020 21:57 EDT

Since India was placed under lockdown on 24 March, movement throughout the country has been restricted to essential journeys only but some state governments have started issuing Emergency curfew e-passes which are now available online. All of those who are involved in the movement of essential goods and supplies across any of the country’s 28 states or union territories will need to apply for a an e-pass or movement pass.

India's government is now gradually easing lockdown restrictions - including stay-at-home measures which means movement between states will become easier when some rail services resume from Monday 18 May. However, with the country now divided into colour-coded risk zones, total freedom of movement is still not permitted and an e-pass will be necessary to travel between states.

**Follow the latest Covid-19 news in India**

Travelling between states in India with an e-pass

The e-pass will only be issued to those performing what is classified as essential work – healthcare work, the supply and distribution of food and medical supplies, police and fire services, security forces, courier services, providers of utility services such as electricity and water, supply and distribution of animal feed…

Applying for an e-pass does not automatically mean you will be granted one. Local administration authorities will determine who is entitled to an e-pass and who isn’t at their own discretion.

On the application form, information such as full name and address of the applicant, identification (Aadhar Card number, driving license), vehicle license number (DMV) and registration will need to be given together with an official letter of authorisation from the applicant’s company or place of work along with a recent, passport-size photograph. Some states might ask for other information such as a mobile phone number to be able to receive SMS authentication codes. Others, for instance Goa, might ask for information about the type and quantity of goods being transported.

Below is a list of how and where to apply for an e-pass in each state/union territory

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Contact the sub-divisional magistrates for your region by phone