BMC runs out of tests at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Kurla

Thousands of passengers entering Mumbai through LTT Kurla, one of the city's biggest rail terminals, are walking out of the facility without COVID tests as the BMC has allegedly run out of testing kits. Sources said the civic team at LTT had just 10 kits on Saturday. About 18-20 trains arrive at LTT daily, each bringing in nearly 5,000 passengers.

Railway officials said that the task of screening and testing passengers is with BMC and the railway provides RPF and GRP staff and home guards if required to manage crowds.

"Now there is no need to test each and every passenger as more than 50 per cent are fully vaccinated. Even passengers who carry RT-PCR test reports do not need to be tested if they are asymptomatic. BMC has a screening facility and we screen every passenger arriving on long-distance trains at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. Those who are symptomatic have to undergo an antigen test," said Dr Jitendra Jadhav, health officer of L ward.

The official said he was unaware of any shortage of antigen testing kits. "I will look into the matter immediately."

Train passengers at LTT, Kurla, on Monday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Sources said a new contractor to supply the test kits took over on November 1. There is already a complaint against the contractor for shortage of PPE kits, they said, adding BMC officials are unable to act against the contractor since the contract is tied to an influential politician. Technicians from the private lab entrusted with the task said they haven't received the kits. "The stock comes on Monday and labs have to collect it from the health department on Monday. I am not aware who has not collected the kits," said BMC officer Dr Pranita Tipre. BMC officials have denied the allegation.