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COVID-19 restrictions in Mumbai: Will local train services resume for general public?

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the local trains, which has been hailed as the lifeline of Mumbai had opened its doors, after almost 10 months, for the general public on February 1.

COVID-19 restrictions in Mumbai: Will local train services resume for general public?
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Even as the Maharashtra government mulls on unlocking the restrictions in a phased manner, Mumbai local train services are unlikely to resume for the general public soon.

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: Mumbai Locals: 1,300 people caught flouting COVID-19 norms

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the local trains, which has been hailed as the lifeline of Mumbai had opened their doors, after almost 10 months, for the general public on February 1. Though, railway authorities have classified three-time slots for the general public - from the first service of the day to 7 am, 12 pm to 4 pm and 9 pm to the end of the day. The trains between 7 am and 12 pm and between 4 pm and 9 pm are available only for essential services.

However, due to the continuous rise in cases in the second wave of coronavirus across Maharashtra, the State Government decided to reinstate some of the restrictions on local train travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

As per some state officials and experts, the resumption of local trains for the general public could be a contributing factor in the recent increase of cases in the city and its neighbouring regions.

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