Key Points :
- From September 21, 500 local trains instead of 350 will be operating in Mumbai.
- On the Maharashtra government’s request, 10 percent of the total staff strength of co-operative and private banks will be now allowed to travel by local trains.
- Selected 10 percent of the staff will need to acquire QR ID codes from the state government.
- Additional booking counters to obey social distancing will be set up.
The number of Mumbai’s daily special suburban train services will be increased from 350 to 500 on Western Railway from September 21
A joint release issued by the central and Western Railways asserted that, on the Maharashtra government’s request, 10 percent of the total staff strength of co-operative and private banks will be now allowed to travel by local trains.
Essential staff, which includes nationalized bank employees, aircraft maintenance and repair staff, and lawyers could travel on the local trains so far — since the suburban railways returned to operations from mid-June.
“The number of daily special suburban services will be increased from 350 to 500 on Western Railway from September 21 to maintain social distancing and avoid crowding. The essential staff as notified by the state government to travel in local trains is requested to follow social distancing and wear a mask during travel,” the Western Railway declared in a statement. (With PTI inputs)
The chosen 10 percent of the staff of private and cooperative will need to obtain QR ID codes from the state government. Until then, those with valid identity cards can buy tickets and travel.
The railways also said that additional booking counters will be opened at important stations, and requested passengers to follow social distancing.
