Mumbai locals to be available to the general public from January 29 or February 1: Mayor

For the past several months, everyone has been wondering when Mumbai's lifeline, the suburban railway system will be available to the general public.

In view of the situation, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar has said that the Mumbai local service will be available to the general public from January 29 or February 1.

In a statement, Pednekar stated, “I have heard the news about the launch of the Mumbai locals and the Municipal Commissioner has called a meeting to discuss the same. The locals are likely to start for the general public from January 29 or February 1. Even if local trains resume for ordinary citizens, people should follow all the rules in view of COVID-19, wear masks, take care of themselves, follow social distance.”

Three days ago, Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani had also given information about launching Mumbai Local for the general public. A decision on starting schools and local trains will be taken soon after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the Mumbai metropolitan region, Kakani had said in conclusion.

Meanwhile, according to the official information shared by the railways, additional 204 suburban services will be added to the existing 2,781 services making it 2,985 services on the Mumbai Suburban network. Starting January 29, 2021, Western Railway will operate 1,300 trains instead of 1,201 train services. Meanwhile, Central Railway has decided to increase the local train services from the existing 1,580 to 1,685 services.

Currently, only those passengers permitted by Ministry of Railways and Government of Maharashtra will be allowed to travel by the suburban trains. Others are requested not to rush to the railway stations. Furthermore, passengers are advised to adhere to all norms, SOPs related to COVID-19 during the boarding, travel and at the destination.