On October 16, the Maharashtra state government issued a directive, asking the Railways to permit local train services for women during off-peak hours 11 am-3 pm and again from 7 pm to end of services, from Oct 17.
However, the same evening (Oct 16), officials from Western Railways blocked the move, saying that services could resume only after discussions and clearance from the Railway Board.
It is anticipated that local train services for women can resume most probably from Tuesday, Oct 20.
Local Trains for Women Likely to Resume from Tomorrow
After the MH Govt’s directive to resume local train services for women in off-commute hours got declined by the Railway authorities on Friday, the officials clarified that a joint meeting between the State and Railway authorities shall discuss thoroughly on this matter, drawing detailed guidelines.
The railways blocked the move as it was wary of crowd control in the absence of modalities.
“The topic of travel for women also came up for discussion during the Covid-related discussion held between the State’s Chief Secretary and Ministry of Home Affairs.
The railway board has conveyed to the Union home ministry & the State government about its willingness to travel during off-peak hours.”, said a source.
A top bureaucrat reported that after talks between CS Sanjay Kumar and Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, local trains for women would most probably resume for women from Tuesday, Oct 20.
Central Railways Add 255 Trains
After adding 22 special local train services to Mumbai locals, Indian Railways’ Central Railways have now added 225 more local trains services to the existing 481, starting from today, Oct 19, 2020.
This increases the count of Central Railways’ local trains services to 706, operating everyday for essential staff.
Central Railway CPRO tweeted,
“CR to add 225 suburban services to the existing 481, making it total 706 from 19.10.2020 for staff as notified by Government of Maharashtra and approved by Ministry of Railways.”
You can find the suburban time table for essential staff for Harbour and the trans-harbour line below.
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