Central Railways to operate 706 services from October 19

The Central Railway (CR) has decided to increase the number of daily special suburban services in Mumbai. Now, 706 suburban services will run in the island city from October 19.

At the moment, the Central Railway operates 481 special suburban services for the staff as notified by the Government of Maharashtra and approved by Ministry of Railways. In order to maintain social distancing and avoid crowding, Central Railway has taken the decision to increase the number of daily special suburban services from 481 to 706.

The government offices and essential services are also functioning with 100 per cent staff capacity. As a consequence, it is necessary for the government to increase the number of services, as it could avoid congestion on the Western, Central and Harbour routes. Even though the suburban railways are being used by employees engaged in essential services as of now, since the last few months, the number of commuters has increased.

Down below is the breakup of 706 suburban services:

• Main line – 499 (slow services 309 and fast services 190)
• Harbour line – 187
• Transharbour line – 20

Moreover, as per the press release, the Railways have requested the commuters to follow social distancing norms and wear masks, while boarding, alighting at railway stations and travelling in special suburban trains.