The coronavirus pandemic has changed how things work. Even Indian Railways’ has to change its functioning in this post-pandemic work. The local trains too have to bear in mind all safety precautions and COVID-19 protocols in its day to day functioning and Western Railway is no different. The coaches of the Mumbai local trains have to be properly sanitised as a lot of people from various parts of Mumbai use them for transportation.
Earlier, Western Railway had already made thousands of floor markings to ensure social distancing at stations and platforms. All these efforts have enabled to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Western Railways released a statement said that in the initial phase of the nationwide lockdown, the railways began its 162 services with 18 rakes offered to traffic for emergency duty staff of state government, private health sector and railway staff from June 15 last year.
These services were gradually increased to 81 rakes with a total of 1201 services at present. To run these services with utmost safety and precautions against COVID-19, Western Railway has adopted and implemented rigorous sanitization methods to ensure a safe journey for its commuters, the statement added.
Meanwhile, a senior railway official said that western railway has taken steps such as, disinfection of passenger area and driving cab compartment, sanitization of repeated and common touch parts during maintenance, spreading awareness among commuters for maintaining social distance, etc.
Besides, in order to educate commuters for maintaining social distance during travelling stickers with text message “Please Do Not Sit Here" been pasted at the center of backrest seats.
Even though the general public is not allowed on the local trains as of now, still most coaches are packed especially during the peak hours. Hence it is important to follow all necessary precautions to keep the spread of virus in control.