Mumbai: Workers travelling in special local trains flout social distancing norms

While keeping in mind the rising number of cases of coronavirus local train services were suspended in Mumbai.

After two months, a special local for railway workers engaged in essential services has been started from Tuesday. These trains – CSMT-Panvel, CSMT-Karjat and CSMT-Kasara – will make a total of eight trips (both up and down) every day. Mumbai locals were shut from March 23

A video has been circulation on social media that workers travelling in the special local trains are not maintaining social distancing. People in the train were seen wearing masks but physical distance was not seen in the train. 

Our lives are in danger. We are scared to travel as we live with our parents who are old and are senior citizens, said a railway employee. 

The railway authorities have asked people not to rush to the stations when they see the trains running. A decision will be taken on when to resume Mumbai locals for passengers later.

"Mumbai locals for passengers have not been started. We notify and call as many railway employees as are required at stations where Shramik Special trains are leaving. So these special local trains have been started only for railway workers and no ordinary passengers were travelling in this train, " said Shivaji Sutar, CPRO, Central Railway.