An idea first high-lighted by this paper gathers momentum as MLA writes to CM
Currently only people working in essential services can take locals. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
A member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has appealed to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to allow fully vaccinated citizens to travel on local trains. Currently only people working in essential services are allowed to travel by trains. mid-day had highlighted the need to permit the fully vaccinated on trains, in ‘As June 1 looms, all eyes on track; Mumbai local trains for fully vaccinated? Commuter bodies debate,’ on May 25.
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A woman is vaccinated at Byculla
The MLA has said that allowing the fully vaccinated to take the trains will reduce traffic on roads and the burden on the pockets of the working class who have to use other modes of transport.
Due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, travel by local trains was restricted from April. But as the figures of Covid-19 positive people seem to be decreasing in the city and MMR region, citizens are also demanding relaxation in travelling norms.
Also Read: Ticketless travellers on Mumbai local trains on the rise
MLA Mihir Kotecha from Mulund constituency wrote to the CM on Thursday seeking permission for those who have been fully vaccinated, to travel on locals. Kotecha wrote that there are more than 2.76 lakh persons who have been totally vaccinated, they should be allowed after they show their vaccination certificate. But while Kotecha has mentioned 2.76 lakh in the letter, as per civic data, as of June 2, there have been 7,54,955 beneficiaries of both doses of the vaccines.
“Out of 2.76 lakh fully vaccinated people, even if there are 1 lakh who belong to the working class, they should be allowed to travel. If those who have taken both the doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are allowed to travel internationally, then why not on local trains? The government must allow them to do so immediately. This will ease traffic congestion and expenditure on fuel, and time,” said Kotecha.
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