Keypoints:
- Amid rise in the number of COVID cases, Maharashtra government may restrict train travelling in Mumbai.
- State officials and experts are of the opinion that the cases have surged because of the suburban train travelling.
- Crowded trains are being seen as one reason behind the spike.
Maharashtra government is looking forward to restrict train travelling in Mumbai amid the surge in COVID positive cases over the past two weeks. The state government may either reduce the allotted time slots for general public or totally revoke the permission allowing people working in essential services only.
On Friday, the relief and rehabilitation minister Vijay Wadettiwar said that the state government was considering to reschedule train timings amid the rise in cases.
“We will not completely restrict the general public from commuting on the train, but will reschedule the timings,” said the Minister.
Suburban train services were opened for the general public during non peak hours on February 1, and on a average three million commuters has been travelling by the same.
Requesting anonymity, officials said that,” “It is true that the crowding in local trains is one of the reasons for the upsurge in the Covid-19 cases in the MMR. The number of passengers in all three lines has increased four times after the general public was allowed to travel in local trains from February 1. The state government either revoke the permission given to the general public completely or reduce the allotted time slot reduce the crowding in the locals.”
Passenger associations have stated that they would protest along with commuters if train services are suspended. “The reason for the increase of coronavirus cases are not just local trains. There has been no direct link and if the state government decides to suspend the train services we will protest against the same on the railway tracks. Local train operations are important for the economy.” said Subhash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Parishad.
Railway authorities have stated they have not received any proposal from the state government regarding the suspension of trains. “We have not received any proposal from the state government regarding the suspension of local trains,” said Shivaji Sutar, chief public relation officer, Central Railway.
