Updated: October 14, 2020 4:57:35 pm
Metro Rail services were halted following the announcement of the national shutdown effective March 25.
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government allowed the resumption of metro rail services in the state from October 15 in a phased manner as part of its “Mission to start over.” According to the new guidelines, government and private libraries will also be able to resume their activity from October 15 in compliance with strict Covid-19 protocols.
Metro Rail services were halted in Maharashtra following the announcement of the nationwide shutdown effective March 25 to curb the coronavirus pandemic. The order said that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be issued by the Urban Development department.
The government has also allowed marriage and other family functions with a number of guests not to exceed 50 and funerals / last rites with a maximum number of guests of 20.
Business-to-business exhibitions have also been allowed outside of the containment zones. Local weekly bazaars, including animal bazaars, may also reopen outside of containment zones. In order to reduce the crowds, markets and stores will be able to stay open for an additional two hours until 9 p.m. starting October 15.
The government had previously allowed train ride between districts to resume in October, although the normal operations of Mumbai ‘s suburban train system, which is also the livelihood of the city, are still banned. At the end of August, the state government had allowed the resumption of interdistrict travel on buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
“Trains originating and ending their journey in Maharashtra will be allowed with immediate effect according to the guidelines of the Center and the state,” the guidelines issued for October indicated.
The state had also allowed dining services to restart in restaurants, bars and food courts starting Oct. 5, with a maximum occupancy of 50 percent. Movie theaters, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theaters and multiplexes, auditoriums and function rooms will remain closed. Schools, colleges and educational training institutions will remain closed until October 31.
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