Passengers Demand Reopening Of Mumbai Local For General Public; Lockdown Ends Gradually In Maharashtra

As we recently reported to you, the government of Maharashtra has now announced the plans of unlocking the state gradually.

How does this affect the operations of the Mumbai Locals? Read on to find out all the details!

Mumbai Locals To Resume Operations For Public? Associations Approach Officials

Recently, there was news that the Mumbai Local Trains will not resume operation for general passengers any time soon. As per the state cabinet Minister Vijay Wadettiwar, the Mumbai Local Trains will not be resuming their operations at least for the next 15 days. This will be a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

He also says that the passengers will not be maintaining social distancing protocol and hence the trains will continue to operate only for people who are employed in essential services for the time being.

And now, as per newest reports coming in, the associations of suburban train commuters have asked the government to resume the operations of the Mumbai locals as soon as possible. The Mumbai locals have not been operating since April 15, when the second lockdown started. 

The passenger associations have also met up with the officials of the Central Railway recently, and have asked for an increase in the safety measures for women passengers. They have also asked the railway authorities to resume operations of the local trains for the general public.

More than three million passengers travel by local trains on both the Central and Western Railway on a daily basis.

Govt. of Maharashtra Announces Gradual Unlock

As we all know, the government of Maharashtra announced a five-level unlocking plan in which the reopening process will begin in the state.

The order for the same is yet to be issued and the extent of unlocking will vary from district to district which in turn shall range from a level 1 to level 5, with level 1 being the one which allows maximum relaxations. 

Officials said that taking into account the Covid-19 positivity rate as well as the medical infrastructure of the districts, the five-level unlocking plan has been prepared. While the district of Thane, like 18 other districts, falls in the level one, the city of Mumbai is in level two.

These 18 districts are likely to see a complete unlocking from June 4.