Bring back random tests at railway stations: Mumbai passenger associations ask amid rising Covid cases

A medic tests a passenger’s temperature at Dadar station, in February. Pic/Suresh Karkera

With Delhi reporting an increase in fresh COVID-19 cases amid the fourth wave scare, Mumbai passenger associations have sought increased surveillance at railway stations, as over 35 trains from north India, carrying thousands of passengers, enter or pass Mumbai daily. "The summer vacation period has just begun after exams and the peak of it will be in May. Many will travel for holidays and return to urban hubs. Now is the time the railways should begin random checking of vaccination certificates and temperatures at all major stations, like Mumbai CSMT, Dadar, Mumbai Central, Bandra, Kurla and Borivli," said Shailesh Goyal, former member of the National Railway Users' Consultative Council.

"We have suffered enough in this city and now is the right time to be extra cautious. So many passengers travel regularly between Delhi and Mumbai, and we should not take any chances. Random checks should be initiated at this point of time. Sanitisation and masks should also not stop," said Nandkumar Deshmukh, president of Federation of Suburban Passengers' Association.

"Suburban passenger numbers are almost close to pre-COVID times and outstation trains have also lifted all restrictions. Citizens have become complacent and are not wearing masks and sanitising. This is when everyone is most vulnerable. Some element of check is required now to prevent another outbreak," said Siddhesh Desai, vice-president of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.

We are cautious: Railways

Officials said though most of the states had lifted all restrictions, the railways continue to stress on the need for masks and sanitisation. "We have been running public awareness messages and stressing the need for being extra careful while travelling," a railway spokesperson said.