The local trains are hailed as the lifeline of Mumbai. However, to control the spread of coronavirus the services of local trains were suspended when the countrywide lockdown was announced. After three months of strict lockdown, the local services resumed operations but they have been ferrying people that are engaged in essential services.
On Saturday, Western Railways and Central Railways in a joint statement announced that on the request of the State Government, permission has been granted by the Ministry of Railways, to personnel of all Cooperative and Private banks to travel via Local Trains. However, it is extended to 10 per cent of the total staff strength as approved by the State Government of Maharashtra.
The selected 10 per cent of staff will need to obtain QR ID codes from the state government. Until then, those with valid identity cards can buy tickets and travel. Employees in the nationalised banks were already allowed to travel via local trains.
Last week, local trains became accessible to employees of two types of private firms, namely, electricity companies and approved aircraft maintenance and repair firms.
From time to time special travel permission are also graned. At the start of the month, Western Railways and the Central Railways announced that the JEE and NEET aspirants will be permitted to use the special train services with parents or guardians on the day of the examinations in order to travel to their respective exam centres. For such special occasions, Mumbai Locals run special trains to make sure that people can travel conveniently.
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