New Delhi, May 20 (IANS): The Railway Ministry ordered reopening of all the vendors and shops on railway platforms with immediate effect late on Wednesday evening.

In an order issued by the Railway Board and addressed to all zonal railways, it said, "Zonal Railways and IRCTC are advised to take necessary actions for opening of all static catering and vending units (MPS, Bookstalls, Misc/Chemist stalls etc) at Railway stations with immediate effect".

However, it warned that in case of food plazas and refreshment rooms, only takeaways will be permitted and not any sit-down eating arrangements.

It is nearly a couple of months since the Railways' commercial services have been shut due to the nationwide lockdown in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Off late the ministry started Shramik trains meant for ferrying migrants followed by AC Special trains on certain routes with social distancing norms in place.

Now, the Ministry has got another step further to bring a sense of normalcy back.