Passengers flout social distancing norms in Mumbai local trains

Officials from the railways have observed that commuters travelling by the Mumbai local trains have not been following the rules of social distancing imposed by the government. Over the last few days, passengers have been flouting norms and this has raised concerns among the public and the administration, as this behaviour poses threat to several lives on a daily basis. 

Keeping this in mind, the railway administration has taken a strict decision and posted stickers on the seat of the local trains with an aim to prevent congestion amidst the coronavirus pandemic. As per new rules, the railway administration has focused on social distancing where limited people will be able to sit on the assigned seats. However, despite this, the railways have learned that the passengers are regularly sitting on seats marked for distancing, thereby deliberately violating the rules. These images have been going viral on social media.

Reports state that passengers were seen sitting on the seats with the sticker, in the 4.45 am local train heading from CSMT towards Badlapur. Moreover, passengers have also started crowding in the local trains despite repeated appeals not to do so during the pandemic. However, considering the fear of the second COVID-19 wave, it will be important to see if the government and the administration take revised decisions for safety purposes.

Addressing the concerns, Municipal Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal has stated that the prevalence of coronavirus infection is increasing significantly in Mumbai and the nearby MMR regions. An investigation has also been ordered regarding the same and will be conducted soon at the railway station in Mumbai. While the crisis is being brought under control, we need to take strict measures to ensure the spread is contained.

CM Uddhav Thackeray warned the state regarding the coronavirus spread post-Diwali and observing the increase, Health Minister Rajesh Tope has hinted another lockdown keeping the second wave in mind and stated that if the cases increase further in a similar fashion, this new wave could prove to be dangerous for the state.