Mumbai local train service: With Covid-19 cases in the financial city of Mumbai coming under control, the state govt is mulling over a proposal to allow local train for all passengers during staggered hours. "Local can be permitted for morning hours till 7 am and after 10 pm in night. However, the decision will be taken only after a review with the chief minister," sources told APB News. Also Read: Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed In 4 Indian States: 40,000 Birds To Be Culled In Kerala, Alert Sounded In Rajasthan

Resuming local services for "all" is a decision that state government will make, as per the official sources. The local train services for all commuters may resume for both central and western railways depending on the review.

“After 28 October no official discussion has happened with the state govt about starting local service for all. Though we have had discussion over allowing services for few sectors that we have done already. The timings of local train is yet to be decided and the call will be taken by the state government,” told an official to ABP News.

Currently, only essential workers and those approved by the government are allowed to travel on locals. Women too have permission, but only during non-peak hours.

To cope with the new mutant virus and restrict the old one from spreading, Mumbai also issued specific guidelines for the new year celebrations. The state had imposed night curfew from December 25 till January 5.  It has prohibited the gathering of five or more persons between 11 pm and 6 am. Gatherings in restaurants, bars, and pubs will not be allowed post-11 pm while loudspeaker/DJ music beyond permissible decibel limit and fireworks were also prohibited.

Meanwhile eight passengers who returned from the UK have tested positive for the new variant of coronavirus in Maharashtra, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Monday.