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Railway Passengers' Association demands vaccinated citizens above 45 to be permitted on Mumbai Locals

Moreover, factories are in operation to keep the state's economy afloat; but local travel is not allowed which is a big contradiction as the workers use the Mumbai locals for daily commute.

Railway Passengers' Association demands vaccinated citizens above 45 to be permitted on Mumbai Locals
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Even though the coronavirus-induced restrictions are touted to ease out from June 1, the Maharashtra government had earlier clarified that the Mumbai locals would not start for the next 15 days.

However, according to sources, the Railway Passengers' Association has demanded that the employees who are 45 years of age and have been vaccinated for COVID-19 should be allowed to travel on the local trains.

Meanwhile, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown, several people are facing a financial crisis, especially the daily wage labourers. However, the number of coronavirus cases have come down drastically in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and Navi Mumbai.

Therefore, the association has demanded for the state government to consider the financial stability of millions of families. Despite the appeals of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, most of the private establishments do not pay salaries to their employees during this period. In view of this situation, it would be appropriate to start local for the general public who have taken both doses from June 1, the association stated.

Moreover, factories are in operation to keep the state's economy afloat; but local travel is not allowed which is a big contradiction as the workers use the Mumbai locals for daily commute.

On the other hand, earlier on Monday, May 24, while talking to media, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar said that the general public would not be allowed to commute on Mumbai suburban locals till further orders. He added that this was not possible at least till June 15, 2021.

This development comes at a time when the Maharashtra government has indicated that after June 1, the lockdown in the state would be gradually eased in four phases.

The government is planning to allow the general public to travel in Mumbai local trains in the fourth and final phase. Currently, only government, BMC and essential services staff are allowed to travel in suburban trains, the minister added.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 restrictions: Bombay High Court dismisses bank employees union plea to commute by local trains, metro    

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