Local trains for all from February 1

MUMBAI: In a hint of return of normalcy and relief for commuters across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after 10 months, the Maharashtra government on Friday allowed the general public to use local train services from February 1.

However, general public will be allowed only in three time slots – from start of the first local train service till 7am, from 12noon to 4pm and after 9pm till the last service – to avoid crowding in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. It means, the general public cannot travel by local trains during peak hours of 7am to 12noon and 4pm to 9pm. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed the authorities to ensure there is no crowding and the behaviour is Covid-appropriate. The state has also urged offices to stagger work hours.

The state has also allowed shops and restaurants across MMR to remain open till 11pm and 1am, respectively. So far, shops were allowed to stay open till 10pm and restaurants till 11.30pm, with 50% occupancy. The ongoing lockdown restrictions, however, will continue till February 28, according to the notification issued by chief secretary Sanjay Kumar. The state has partially allowed private and government offices, schools, cinema halls, multiplexes and theatres to function.

Private offices are allowed to function with 30% occupancy, government offices with 50-100% occupancy, while cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes at 50% occupancy. Besides, schools have been allowed to reopen for Classes 5 to 12. These curbs will stay until a fresh order is issued.