Mumbai: 95 per cent local train services back on track, but still no public access

Social distancing on local trains remains the biggest concern for state and railway authorities

AMID growing expectations of allowing the general public to use local trains, Central and Western railways have said that suburban services would be restored to 95 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels from Friday. However, no decision has been taken on access for all. Initially, Western Railway had announced that it would go for full-scale operations but later scaled it down by 67 services to settle at 1,300. The Central Railway will increase its services from 1,580 to 1,685.

A railway spokesperson said passengers as permitted by the ministry of railways and the Maharashtra government are the only users of the local services at present and others have been requested not to rush to railway stations. "Passengers are advised to adhere to all norms, SOPs related to COVID-19 during the boarding, travel and at destination," he said.

With restricted access, there has been less crowd at platforms as well as on trains, but this will change once services are opened to all

The update follows a meeting on Monday between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, general managers of CR and WR, the BMC commissioner, Mumbai police chief and senior state officials to discuss wider access to local trains. Sources said crowd management emerged as the major concern as too many people in a limited space could trigger a second wave of coronavirus infections in the city.

No clarity on Chennai pattern as yet
Sources said as staggered timings for offices were not working out, the government might opt for giving staggered access to local trains. Meanwhile, there has also been talks of implementing the Chennai pattern of unlock for Mumbai local trains (as reported by mid-day earlier), though there has been no official communication on it.

CSMT gets Braille signage
The iconic Mumbai CSMT took another step towards becoming a friendly station for the visually impaired by implementing Braille signage across the premises on the Republic Day.

Several pointers, including platform indicators and a map of the station are in Braille at CSMT

An initiative of Yatra For Business, the business arm of Yatra Online along with Anuprayaas, the station got 196 Braille pointers, including platform indicators, waiting room, lift, water, toilets, ‘escalator ahead' sign, ‘way towards lift' signs and 86 general signages covering all the major offices. This is in addition to the two Braille maps installed near booking offices at two main entrances. Braille booklets with basic information about the station will also be provided.

A senior official said six portable ramps for wheelchair use, illuminating reflective strips, a scannable QR code will also be provided at significant places that can be used to listen to the audio about the various facilities at the railway station. "The illuminating reflective strips at the stairs empowers a person with low vision to identify the beginning and end of the staircase at night. Hence reducing the risk of accidents," he added.

2,985
Total number of services announced by Western and Central Railway at present