The Maharashtra government announced today that subway rail services can operate in Mumbai starting tomorrow, October 15, in a phased manner and with precautions.
The announcement came amid several other relaxations under the state government’s new ‘Start Again’ guidelines for the month of October amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Among other relaxations, the state government also announced the reopening of public and private libraries.
It also allowed business-to-business exhibitions starting tomorrow 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 two more hours until 9:00 p.m. from tomorrow.
Significantly, the government has decided to eliminate indelible ink stamping for domestic passengers arriving at different airports after COVID-19 testing.
Likewise, the medical check-up and the sealing of passengers at train stations will also be stopped.
However, schools, universities, educational and training institutions in the state will remain closed to students and regular class activity will also not be allowed until the end of October, the state government added.
Apart from this city life line, Mumbai local trains are also gradually operating for certain services. Today, people employed in essential services, Mumbai dabbawalas, and staff at foreign consulates and high commissions can travel on local trains.
Additionally, Indian Railways Western Railway Zone has decided to put into operation 194 additional trains for people engaged in essential services, as notified by the Maharashtra government as of tomorrow.
The decision was made in order to maintain social distancing and avoid overcrowding amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra remained below 10,000 for the second day in a row on Tuesday, the state health department said.
A day after reporting 7,089 COVID-19 cases, the state added 8,522 new infections, bringing the total count to 15,43,837, it said.
With 187 deaths, the cumulative number rose to 40,701, a health official said.
A total of 15,356 patients were discharged after treatment on the day, bringing the recovery count to 12,97,252.
The state is now left with 2,05,415 active cases.
With 1,325 new cases, the Mumbai city count increased to 2,32,391, while the death count increased by 38 to 9,507, the health department said.
With contributions from the agency
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