FAQ: Mumbai Local Resumes For Essential Workers – What’s The SOP?

Here’s all you need to know about the resumption of local train services in Mumbai for essential workers.

Image of Mumbai local train used for representation.

(Photo: PTI)

Dubbed the 'Lifeline of Mumbai', the city's local train services started operating on Monday, 15 June, for essential service workers alone. The service has resumed after being shut for almost 90 days due to the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Who are allowed to take the local? Is there a restriction on the number of passengers in each local train? What routes are running? Here’s all you need to know.

Who will be allowed to avail the local train services?

Only essential service providers identified by the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be permitted to travel by the local trains.

What is the SOP to be followed before boarding the train?

• Only those passengers with valid government identification will be allowed to enter.
• All passengers will undergo a temperature test and only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to board the train.
• A QR-based e-pass will be provided to those who are travelling for easier ticket checking.

How many trains will run every day and on what routes?

A total of 200 trains will run (100 up + 100 down) every day.

• CSMT to KASARA/KARJAT/KALYAN/THANE – 130 services (65 up + 65 down)
• CSMT to PANVEL – 70 services (35 up + 35 down)

How will social distancing be maintained in the train and at stations?

• Each train can accommodate about 1,200 persons. However, only 700 people will be allowed per train.

• There will be only one entry and exit point in each station, which will be manned by Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Maharashtra Police.

• Ambulances will be kept in each station, in case of medical emergency.

• Hawkers will not be allowed inside the train or even in stations.

• Car parking will not be allowed with 150 metres of the station.

But how will the authorities avoid peak hour traffic?

Government offices have been asked to enforce staggered timings so that there is no overcrowding at peak hours.

I am an essential worker and I take the local train. What precautions should I follow?

• Wear a mask during the course of the travel

• Maintain at least 2 metre distance with your co-passenger

• While it is not mandatory to wear gloves, you can wear gloves as a precautionary measure to avoid touching surfaces

• Carry as minimum things as possible like bag, keys, laptop, etc

• When you reach your destination, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

• When you return home, sanitise the things you use on a regular basis

• Wash the mask and set it aside for drying

The validity of my season pass expired during lockdown. How can I renew it?

The validity of the season ticket to the extent of days lost has been extended. Fresh tickets and season tickets are also being issued.