Maharashtra government on Friday approved resumption of suburban train services in Mumbai for the general public from February 1.
The local train services, suspended in March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, will be opened from the first service till 7 am, noon to 4 pm and 9 pm to the last service.
Earlier it was reported that the local trains services will be restored almost fully starting today, i.e. January 29.
In between these timings, only those in essential services - such as frontline workers and healthcare staff, single women travellers and those with a special pass from the state government - will be allowed to travel.
"The local train services will be restricted to the essential services staff only as is being permitted currently from 7 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm," an order issued by the Maharashtra government read.
The authorities have appealed to all travellers to follow standard operating protocols when in the station or onboard the trains, including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing to minimise contact with other people.
"The State Govermment is also directing that shops will be allowed to operate till 11 pm and restaurants be allowed to operate till 1 am," stated the order.
"But, a 30% limit for staff will continue to be in force and above establishments will be allowed to operate as per SOPs issued for daily operations of the same by various departments of State government," it said.
Local trains have been off bounds for the general public since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. They resumed in June for the essential services workers. Women were allowed in October last year, after a request from the state to the Railways Minister.
Before the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, as many as 80 lakh passengers used the local train services in Mumbai. Currently, there are 20 lakh passengers and if experts are to be believed then the number may not touch 80 lakh again anytime soon as people are still working from home in the city.
The decision to resume Mumbai locals came after the Maharashtra government today extended the lockdown restrictions till February 28.
"Activities already allowed and permitted from time to time shall be continued and all earlier orders shall be aligned with this order and shall remain in force up to 28 February," read the Maharashtra government statement.
