it would be the third extension to the lockdown which was first imposed from march 25 and then extended from april 15 and may 4new delhi india is likely to extend the nationwide lockdown for another two weeks after may 17 to contain the spread of covid19 while continuing to ease restrictions and possibly allowing public transport and reopening of restaurants and shopping malls subject to certain conditionsautorickshaws and cab aggregators with up to two passengers may be allowed to operate as may domestic flights if both the originating and receiving states agree said officials metro services are however likely to remain suspended in red zones they said advt the new guidelines based on suggestions from states that prime minister narendra modi had sought during his fifth discussion with chief ministers on the pandemic on may 11 are expected to be released by the home ministry on saturday after clearance from the prime ministers office it would be the third extension to the lockdown which was first imposed from march 25 and then extended from april 15 and may 4states and union territories may get further leeway to define containment zones and allow permitted activities in noncontainment zones said officials issue of stranded migrantssuggestions from states have been incorporated and they have been given flexibility in deciding red orange and green zones while ensuring social distancing hygiene and sanitation said a senior home ministry official who did not wish to be identified discussion on allowing a few shops inside shopping malls and permission to open up eateries and restaurants with social distancing is under way and will be firmed up by saturdaystates are also likely to be in a better position to address the issue of stranded migrant workers under the new guidelines states will be directed to utilise rs 11000 crore for the welfare and rehabilitation of migrant workers said officials privy to the draft guidelines the money was released by the home ministry as part of the state disaster relief fund they saidthe centre is in favour of resuming domestic flights on select routes but many states are opposed to the idea according to officials only special trains on preapproved routes will be allowed while land borders will remain sealed for movement of passengers even as essential services and goods will be permitted they said advt the new guidelines will require states to undertake strict measures in containment zones and ensure early contact tracing said officials in green zones though states will have the flexibility to reopen all other pending economic activities while banning spitting in public and promoting use of masks and frequent handwashing with new guidelines up haryana and delhi governments will be able to ensure better mobility between delhi noida gurgaon and faridabad said a second home ministry officialthe absence of public transport has hindered movement since march 25 and only those with special passes issued by the district magistrates office are being allowed to cross the borders besides delhis bordering districts have restricted entry