Mumbai's local trains resume services with restricted timings

For the first time after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were eased, local trains services in Mumbai resumed for the general public with restricted timings on February 1.

Majority of the commuters were pleased with the Maharashtra government's decision to resume local train services -- even with time restrictions in place. However, many expressed their desire for flexible timings.

At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Abdul said he's new in the city and that the travelling cost was affecting his pocket.

"I want to thank both the state and the central government for this initiative. Now, people like me who are new will have ease in travelling and searching for jobs," he said.

When asked what did he think about the restrictions in timings, he said, "I hope slowly there will be a change in timings as well. This is a good start and we citizens also need to cooperate with the government and together we can get back to normalcy as well."

Rakesh Prakash, a commuter at Kurla, said, "I am feeling so happy today as I am boarding the local after so many months. Now, I will not get stuck in traffic for hours. It's a start and now, I hope the government allows us to board trains through the day. This will be really helpful."

Manish Kumar, who had to reach Palgarh from Mumbai, said, "I am travelling after the lockdown. I only request that the timing should be made flexible at least till 12 pm so that everyone can reach office in peace. Now, almost everyone is aware of safety precautions and they take care as well. So now, the timings should be increased."

Only the essential service staff is allowed to use the locals from 7 am to 12 noon and then from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Local trains will be available in three time slots: from the start of the day's services to 7 am; 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; and 9:00 pm to the end of the day.

As per the instructions of the Maharashtra government, between 7:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm only those engaged in essential services will be allowed to travel, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said. The general public also has a travel window between 12 noon to 4 pm.

The services for essential staff were opened in June last year.

The Maharashtra government said it requested all establishments to stagger their work schedule so that people can benefit from the available services.