Mumbai local is the heart of the suburbs of the state. Hundreds and thousands of people commute through it, making it one of the most coveted rail services of the country. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown period, most train services came to a halt. Similarly, Mumbai local services are also disrupted. But if all goes well, then the BMC is planning to resume local train services in the New Year.
Mumbai municipal commissioner on resuming train services
On running the Mumbai local train services, the Mumbai municipal high commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said, “if the Covid-19 spike gets averted, then we are planning to take a decision on resuming local trains for the general public after December 15”. He further added, “The government is not in favor of imposing a night curfew because it creates panic among people. Hence it has decided to wait and watch till December 25”. While the Mumbai local trains are the lifeline of the city, the Mumbaikars are waiting eagerly for the train services to resume soon.
Now, train not for all
With the ray of hope comes a little gloom as well! Though the decision to resume the Mumbai locals has come into effect, it is evident that not all will be able to travel through it. At first, some special category of people will be allowed to travel on the trains and then with time, it will start functioning for the common people as well. Now, only those who work for essential services like healthcare, army officials, etc. will be able to travel through these trains, given that they abide by the safety rules.
Also read: Unlike Before, Chennai Women Can Now Travel On All Suburban Trains without Restrictions
Safety first
While the fear of the pandemic has still not subsided, people must be well aware of the fact that they can get infected at any time if they do not abide by the safety rules. The train services are getting resumed because of the fact that the economy is suffering, and it doesn’t mean they can travel on public transport without proper precautions. It is a good sign that Mumbai has not seen many fresh coronavirus cases but safety must still be maintained until a proper covid vaccine comes in the market.
The Policy Times suggestion
- The BMC and Mumbai railway corporation must be alert about the fact that covid has hit Mumbai very aggressively. Very attentive measures must be taken to prevent any spread of the virus further and thus, all the covid protocols must be maintained effectively.
- The locals must also run in proper timing so that hassles are avoided and the ticket must also be made digital to an extent so that hand-to-hand exchange of tickets do not occur that may give rise to the spread of the coronavirus.
