Coronavirus Scare: Mumbai's Lifeline 'Local Trains' Closed For General Public Till March 31

Coronavirus outbreak in the state has forced Maharashtra government to restrict general public from travelling in Mumbai local trains and only those working for essential services will be allowed. The suspension of local trains for normal public will come into effect from 6 am, Sunday for general public.

The suspension of local trains for normal public will come into effect from 6 am, Sunday for general public. (File Photo/ Getty)

Mumbai: Amid the ongoing scare of Coronavirus pandemic, Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Saturday announced closure of Mumbai's life - the local train services - starting from March 22 till March 31. According to reports, general public would not be allowed to travel in Mumbai local trains from Sunday onward. However, those working for essential services will be allowed use the local trains, but only after showing their identity cards. The suspension of local trains for normal public will come into effect from 6 am, Sunday for general public. Employees working for essential services, government offices and Railway officials will be allowed to take local trains, sources close to ABP News said. A special team including Mumbai Police officials, will be deputed to make sure only allowed passengers enter the trains. WATCH REPORT | Coronavirus: Mumbai Local Closed For General Public Till March 31 "Apart from the government officials involved in provision of essential services (who will have to produce their id-cards), only those who need urgent medical aid would be allowed to travel," said the release by divisional commissioner Shivaji Daund. Those who are traveling by local train to reach railway terminus for boarding a long-distance train will also be allowed on inspection of their journey tickets. Earlier, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope had said that the government would be compelled to shut down the local train services and other modes of public transport if crowds did not thin. Maharashtra has recorded 64 cases of Coronavirus so far, including 19 in Mumbai. Earlier this week, Maharashtra government, ordered its residents from Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Nagpur to stay at home till March 31 unless required to make essential trips. CM Uddhav Thackeray had announced that from this Midnight, all workplaces will remain closed till 31st March. This is applicable in Mumbai, MMR Region, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur. Govt offices to operate at 25 per cent attendance. Reports say only banks, grocery stores and medical shops, clinics and hospitals will remain open.