Lockdown in Maharashtra extended until October 31, 2020

Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra have been increasing significantly and keeping the same in mind, the state has extended the lockdown in Maharashtra until October 31, 2020. However, the government has allowed some restrictions in the state under the Unlock 5.0 guidelines. Keeping this in mind, some activities can resume across some cities in Maharashtra.

A few days, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray met members from the hotel and restaurant association (AHAR) to understand the possibilities of resuming the services across the state. Following the same, the government has permitted hotels, bars, eateries and restaurants across Maharashtra to reopen for the general public, but with 50 per cent capacity. The state has also issued strict guidelines for the businesses, whereby all rules and norms pertaining to the lockdown and the pandemic will have to be followed.

Besides this, Mumbai's Dabbawalla association had also met the officials from the government seeking permission to travel by Mumbai Local Trains. The government and some private offices have resumed work, and hence, the demand for dabbawallas and their services is also increasing. Addressing their issues, the government has permitted the dabbawallas to travel by the local trains. 

No announcements have been made for the permission sought by the general public. However, considering the increasing number of passenger and the crowd at several railway stations, the government has directed the railway authorities to increase frequency of local trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This is aimed at helping commuters, as it would reduce the crowd, especially during the peak hours, when the public leaves for work.

Furthermore, local train services will resume in Pune under the same guidelines issued for MMR. The Commissioner of Police, Pune, will be the nodal officer for the same.

All trains which begin and end their journey in Maharashtra will start again, with immediate effect. Rules will have to be followed strictly to ensure safety and precaution.