Mumbai local train services to remain unaffected during COVID-19 night curfew

Observing the increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the state government of Maharashtra has imposed a night curfew, across the state from 8 pm to 7 am. This was implemented from March 27, 2021, with an aim to contain the spread of the virus and to also reduce the cases.

However, soon after the curfew was imposed, people took to social media to question if the Mumbai local train services will function as normal or will there be a change in its schedule as well? Answering the questions and clarifying the same, the railway authorities have mentioned that the local train services will remain unaffected. Mumbai local trains will run as per schedule even during the night curfew hours, said, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). 

The government is taking necessary steps to ensure the cases do not increase, however, the COVID-19 task force has informed Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that a strict lockdown in the state would prove to be beneficial. Meanwhile, officials are deciding on the matter and sharing more information, CM recently informed that if needed, Maharashtra might observe a lockdown with minimal economic impact.

Furthermore, the local administrations have been asked to keep a strict check on the citizens as many have been flouting the directed COVID-19 norms. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has focused on increasing the number of tests, availability of health infrastructure and vaccinating more people in the city. 

Special teams have been formed for the same, and checks are being conducted at railway stations where passengers have been visiting from other states. It is also reported that the local train services will not reduce at the moment. 

The state has observed the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the last few days, and as per the released data, more than 30,000 fresh cases were reported on Monday, March 29, 2021. Officials expected the count to rise to 40,000 in the next 24 hours. 

To showcase the importance of wearing a mask, the state government, on Sunday decided to increase the fine for flouting the rules. If one is not found with a mask in public, they'll now have to pay INR 500 as a fine. The previous amount decided for the same was INR 200.