Local Train Timings to Remain Unchanged in Mumbai for Now

With local trains resuming on the 1st of February in Mumbai, the general public can currently travel at specific timeslots. There have been calls to extend the timings for train travel in the city given that more passengers are now traveling on local trains. 

However, railway officials have said that they have no plans to extend the timings as of now given the concerning coronavirus situation in mind. At the same time, officials confirmed that they will not completely shut down train services either. 

Experts have previously said that the resumption of suburban trains for the general public likely had a role to play in the current COVID-19 surge across Mumbai. 

As it stands, citizens can travel on local trains from the start of the train services early in the morning until 7 AM. The second slot is between 12 PM and 4 PM while the last slot is after 7 PM. 

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Data shows that around 3.8 million people travel by local trains every day - 2.1 million on Central Railway lines and 1.7 million on the Western Railway network. 

Railway officials have said that they haven’t received requests from the State to restrict or suspend trains for the general public, which is relieving news for the citizens. 

However, many commuters have complained about the lack of social distancing in packed train coaches, something that the authorities have to contend with. 

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A senior railway official quoted by HT said, “We have not received any communication from the state or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding reducing local train timings or suspending train services. Reducing train timings will lead to overcrowding inside train compartments and on platforms.”

“We will continue to operate the present number of local trains for essential workers, even if trains are later suspended for the general public,” the official added.

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