Local trains now only for those fully vaccinated; no word on single-journey tickets yet

People get their vaccination certificates and photo IDs verified at Mahim railway station in August this year. File pic

A fresh order issued by the state government regarding local train travel has no mention of whether single-journey tickets will be issued from today. However, it says that even essential workers and government employees will have to be fully vaccinated to take locals and the railways can issue monthly, quarterly and annual passes.

"The letter mentions nothing about single-journey tickets. As per the October 8 order, three categories of people are allowed to travel on local trains - those who are fully vaccinated, those with co-morbidities and all under 18 years of age. There is no question of issuing single journey tickets," an official said.

Central Railway staff and BMC workers check documents of commuters at Sion railway station in August this year. File pic

While the Central Railway has already issued directives to suspend single journey tickets, Western Railway is still assessing the situation and studying the matter. "Full vaccination will now be mandatory for essential workers and government employees to travel in local trains," the state government said in its latest notification.

The CR and WR have been issuing monthly passes to only vaccinated passengers. The railways had yesterday announced resumption of suburban local services in Mumbai at 100 per cent capacity and pre-pandemic levels starting October 28.

Oct 28
Day from when railways will resume suburban services at full capacity