Even as the five-level unlock plan began in the city earlier this month, Mumbaikars will have to wait a bit more for the resumption of local train services.
Nearly two months after pandemic-induced second lockdown, the Maharashtra government allowed restaurants, gyms, salons, and other commercial establishments to resume their services in the city with some restrictions.
Mumbai, which was upgraded to Level 2 a few days ago, is following the Level 3 curbs as per the order of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
In this phase of the state government’s unlock plan, local train services remained shut for the general public in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad.
Also Read: Mumbai: Citizens face commuting difficulties
While speaking to reporters on the possibility of the resumption of the suburban services, state Cabinet Minister Vijay Wadettiwar mentioned that the decision to allow the general public to travel on Mumbai local trains would not be considered until the COVID-19 positivity rate comes under 'Level-1'.
He also asserted that though the coronavirus cases are declining, the threat is still there. The administration is reviewing the situation from time to time and will make a decision on whether to ease the curbs accordingly. Keeping this in mind current trends, the government recently hinted that drastic steps could be taken regarding the lockdown and strict restrictions could be imposed again in districts that have high positivity rate.
"In some districts, the situation is worrying, thus local train services cannot be started immediately," Lokmat quoted the minister as saying.
For the record, the Mumbai local trains were suspended for the general public for the second time on April 15. The first time it happened was in March 2020 when PM Narendra Modi had declared a nationwide lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19.
In Mumbai, for the 18th consecutive day, new infections remained below the four-figure level, decreasing from 695 on Sunday to 530, to send the city tally to 716,190 till date. Daily deaths remained stable at 19 for the second day, and the total fatalities in the country`s commercial capital rose to 15,202.
The Mumbai Circle - comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts - recorded a fall in new cases from 2,056 to 1,457, sending its caseload rising to 15,64,779 and with 30 more deaths, the toll rose to 30,601.
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