India Train Riots
By JoAnne Green
October 23, 2008

On September 23, 2008, the U.S. Consulate Kolkata, India issued the following Warden Message:

"Recent disturbances in the eastern Indian state of Bihar have disrupted rail travel in the region including the route linking Kolkata to New Delhi. Many trains have been cancelled. On October 21, gangs vandalized railway stations and set rail cars on fire. Trains that are operating in the region and their passengers may be the target of additional attacks. American citizens should minimize travel and maintain a low profile in these areas until disruptions end.

 

Although these disturbances are not directed at U.S. citizens, they are indiscriminate and could affect anyone in their vicinity. We do not expect these to target any foreigners or Americans.  However, demonstrations can quickly turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens should avoid large crowds if possible and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Americans should also monitor local media reports and consider alternate travel routes to avoid affected areas."

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407.  The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350.   The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

 -- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027.  The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

 -- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.  The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in India: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in India: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in India: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in India should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in India: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

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