Ready to open local trains for public, waiting for Maharashtra government nod: Central Railway

Central Railway General Manager Sanjeev Mittal conducts annual inspection of Kolhapur-Satara section of Pune division. Pics courtesy/ Rajendra Aklekar

Central Railway General Manager Sanjeev Mittal said on Friday that they were ready to run suburban trains for the general public, but are waiting for a formal approval from the Maharashtra government that had some concerns, hinting at a graded reopening of train operations in the state.

He said of the 1,774 local train services, about 1,580 were already in operation and about 20 categories including general women commuters had been allowed with time limits.

Mittal was speaking to the media at a virtual press conference in Pune.

Also Read: Mumbai local trains for all? Nope, not yet, says railways

Mid-Day had highlighted in its issue two weeks ago that state officials have been contemplating about implementing the Chennai pattern of unlock for Mumbai local trains, though there has been no official confirmation yet.

The Chennai pattern involves opening local trains in five phases-- the first being opening it up for emergency workers, then starting it for women during off-peak hours, the third being opening it for general male public during off-peak hours/night, fourthly opening trains for women at all hours and lastly starting all trains for men at all hours.

As per this, Mumbai is now at the second stage with women passengers allowed in local trains during off peak hours in November.

However, senior officials said this was speculation and there is no confirmation and that any decision about it would be taken after the Maharashtra government discusses the issue at an appropriate level and takes a formal decision.