Mumbai local train services are unlikely to resume for the general public anytime soon.

Mumbai: Mumbai local train services are unlikely to resume for the general public at any time. As a precautionary measure against Covid-19, Mumbai local trains will not open their doors to the public for at least the next 15 days, state cabinet minister Vijay Wadetivar told reporters. The minister said that social distance could not be maintained on local trains and hence trains would continue to be available for essential service staff.

 

During the deadly second wave of Covid-19, only government, BMC, and essential service personnel are currently allowed to travel on Mumbai local trains. Wadetivar, who is also the Minister for Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation, said the Maha Vikas Agadi government was considering phasing out restrictions such as lockdowns in districts where Covid cases were declining. He said the government would not relax the strict restrictions in the red zone, which includes 15 districts, but would consider concessions in other districts.

 

Cases of the coronavirus are still on the rise. Meanwhile, as the positivity rate in Maharashtra drops to 10 percent, state health minister Rajesh Tope on Saturday hinted that the government would consider phasing out some of the Covid-19 regulations. If the positivity rate drops below 10 percent and the number of active cases decreases, the state may consider easing some restrictions, he told the national daily. 

 

According to media reports, the 'unlock' process is likely to take place in four stages. In the first phase, shops selling non-essential products and services will be reopened. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are now closed.