Local trains in Mumbai have begun once again, though only for essential service workers, common citizens are ready to wait.
By Varun Singh
Local trains the lifeline of Mumbai are back on tracks after a long hiatus. There’s hardly a Mumbaikar who has not boarded a train to reach office or a destination.
Starting Monday, Western Railway and Central Railway resumed their selected suburban services over main line and harbour line for Essential staff as identified by the state government.
Approximately 1.25 lakh essential staff (including 50 thousand on Western Railway) as identified by the state government are expected to travel by these trains.
While many do want to re-start their lives with a lockdown as long as this one, but not many are in a hurry.
The local train services have resumed for essential service staff working in government offices and other organizations identified by the state government.
Many commoners for whom the local train is the only way to reach office, say they do not mind waiting.
For many the biggest fear is infection and they feel that if they have to wait, they do not mind.
Amit Jha, a media professional says, “The COVID positive scenario in Mumbai and its suburbs is very bad and the number of deaths has gone up drastically. Starting train for private office goers will lead to the spreading of Pandemic like a wildfire resulting in more deaths. So till the situation is normal its better to stay home and be safe.”
Similar.y Amit Pardesi, a service man, says that many people will wait for something concrete on COVID 19, to be assured that travel will be safe. Even he feels that if people are stepping out then first thing required is discipline or else the situation that will come out of it will cost a lot to everyone.”
Another local train commuter Deepak says, “If the trains are started for everyone then the number of patients will increase, hence its better to not start for the common man.”
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