
The Maharashtra Government, on Friday, announced that local trains in Mumbai will return to full service starting from February 1. Earlier, there were reports that the local train services will be restored almost fully starting January 29.
The order, issued by the Maharashtra Government was cleared by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The general public will be allowed to board Mumbai suburban trains till 7 am from the start of the first local train service. Then, they can use the service between 12 noon and 4 PM and then after 9 PM in the night till the end of service. Only essential services staff will be allowed to use the local train services from 7 AM to 12 noon and from 4 PM to 9 PM. Women, however, are allowed to travel during peak time slots as well.
A meeting, chaired by the CM, was conducted earlier to discuss with the officials of the state government, railway and BMC regarding the resumption of full service of Mumbai local trains.
The Traffic Control Department of the Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway had reportedly sent a letter to all station masters for opening local trains for all. Station masters were informed to run trains on a full schedule from the date declared by the state government, which is now February 1.
As of now, the Western and Central lines are only open for commuters who come under essential services. Women are allowed to avail the services freely during peak hours.