In a major relief to the passengers of long-distance trains, the Ministry of Railways has permitted them to travel by Mumbai suburban trains. The Uddhav Thackeray led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi had requested the railways to provide the facility to the travellers. “As approved by Ministry of Railways on the request of State Government vide their letter DMU 2020/CR/92/DM-1 dated 15.12.2020, passengers of long-distance trains are permitted to travel in suburban trains on Mumbai Suburban Network,” states a joint press release by the Central Railway and the Western Railway.
The Indian Railways has put some conditions for such travel. “Such passengers who have a valid confirmed ticket for any outstation train may be allowed to buy a non-return local train ticket and travel by local train to the boarding point from anywhere in the city and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) from 6 hours prior to the time of departure of the train on that particular day,” said the release.
“Passengers de-boarding from an outstation train on any particular day can buy a non-return local train ticket and travel to any point in Mumbai and MMR region till 6 hours from the time of de-boarding on that particular day subject to the display of confirmed ticket for that day’s arrival/travel,” added the release.
The long-distance rail passengers had to opt for the costly cab and auto-rickshaw rides to and fro originating and deboarding railway stations. Most passengers shared rides for cost-saving but it defeated the social distancing norms.
Passengers have been advised to adhere all norms , SOPs related to COVID19 during the boarding, travel and at destination.
Currently, only Ladies and permitted passengers with approval from Railways and State Government are allowed to travel by the Mumbai local.
Starting 17th December, the Central Railway has started running 10 AC local services on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Kalyan section replacing existing services.
