Mumbai: More Employees Can Travel In Local Trains From Today, Check New Rules Here!

Mumbai local train services: Around 10 per cent of the total staff strength of co-operative and private banks can travel by local trains.

(File Photo/ Getty)

Worried about unable to commute in Mumbai local trains? Here is some good news! More employees of co-operative and private banks can start using Mumbai's suburban train service starting from Monday. The announcement in this regard has been made by Indian Railways on September 19, as per the news agency PTI. Also Read: Mumbai: Fire Erupts At Exchange Building Housing NCB Office Investigating Rhea Chakraborty Drug Case Suburban trains mostly referred to as the ‘local trains’, is presently restricted for the general public in wake of the pandemic. Mumbai’s local train network has not been in regular operation since the first lockdown which was enforced to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, since mid-June special train services have been resumed for people working in essential and emergency services. In fact, as per the PTI report, Railway authorities had given a go-ahead to aircraft maintenance and repair staff to travel on local trains. Who all can travel now? As per the fresh guidelines issued by the Railways, selected 10 percent of staff of co-operative and private banks will be allowed to travel by obtaining QR ID codes from the state government. On the Maharashtra government's request, 10 per cent of the total staff strength of co-operative and private banks will be permitted to travel by local trains, a joint release issued by the Central and Western Railways stated. However, until they receive the codes, they will be allowed to travel in local trains after using valid identity cards to buy tickets and travel. In fact, employees of nationalised banks are already allowed to travel by local trains. In order to streamline the process, additional booking counters will be opened at important stations, and passengers have been asked to follow social distancing. What steps are taken by the Railways? Meanwhile, to keep a check on overcrowding and maintain social distancing norms, the Western Railway has decided to increase the number of daily special suburban services in Mumbai from 350 to 500 from Monday, as per the report in business daily Mint. According to a statement issued by an official of Western Railway, out of the increased 150 services, 30 services during morning peak hours and 29 services during evening peak hours, have been increased for the convenience of the commuters. In Maharashtra, the Covid-19 situation remains grim as the state crossed the 12 lakh mark on Sunday. Mumbai recorded 44 deaths while the number of cases rose by 2,209 on Monday.