MUMBAI: A day after speculation that the state government might decide to open local trains to all travelers after Christmas, senior officials clarified that there are no immediate plans. Overcrowded trains could become “super-spreaders” of Covid-19 and controlling the number of travelers on the premises is the biggest challenge facing the state government right now, officials said Friday.
Currently, limited categories of travelers, including those engaged in essential services, are allowed to travel on local trains.
“There are many reservations about the launch of local trains for everyone. There are not such immediate plans because there is no immediate solution available for these reservations,” said a senior government official.
Aslam Shaikh, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai (island city), said: “We want to start the trains for everyone, but slowly and thoughtfully. We will consider all aspects and take the opinion of our work team (Covid-19) before taking a decision . ”
A senior government official said: “Trains carry several times more passengers than the total transport capacity. We want to make sure that only half of the passengers are allowed that capacity, which is difficult to implement and regulate.”
BMC Commissioner IS Chahal said that it is the government’s prerogative to decide to restart trains for everyone as it involves various municipal corporations and districts from where people travel to Mumbai on suburban trains. He clarified that there is no BMC plan to make any request related to the state government.
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