Amid an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country's financial capital, will Mumbai local train services be restricted once again?
Amid an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country's financial capital, will Mumbai local train services be restricted once again? The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government had, on February 2, resumed local train services in Mumbai for the general public.
Experts believe that the Mumbai local trains that reopened for the general public is being attributed as one of the reasons behind the rise of coronavirus cases in the city.
1. This is what Railways has to say
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The Central and Western Railways have maintained that they have ensured passengers follow COVID protocols while travelling in local trains.
2. Western Railways taking necessary steps to check COVID spread
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Western Railways CPRO Sumit Thakur told News 18 that the Railways has taken all precautions and the Western Railways is taking all necessary steps to check the spread of Covid-19. He also said that the Railways has opened 300 booking counters for passengers convenience.
3. No proposal yet from state or Central govt
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Thakur said that there is no proposal yet from the state or Central government to restrict local services.
4. Teams deployed to manage crowds
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Central Railways CPRO Shivaji Sutar said that the Railways has teams from RPF and GRP that are deployed at sensitive spots to manage crowds. So, there is no congestion and crowd accumulation at any given point.
5. BMC to take final call after February 20
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However, now, as the city is witnessing a sudden rise in coronavirus cases for the past few days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said that a final call on whether or not to lift the travel time restrictions in local trains for the general public will be taken after February 20.
