Mumbai local, Delhi Metro to stay shut

‘Starting service may lead to spike in Covid cases’

Resumption of local trains in Mumbai and Metro services in Delhi could be further delayed as the home ministry will monitor the situation in both cities for some more time rather than take any hasty decision. Officials claimed the sharp increase in corona cases due to unlock is a major reason why authorities are being much more careful now before starting these public transport services in the two major metro cities.

Further, the home ministry also wants to wait for the results of the second sero survey which is to start from August to asses how many people are affected from the deadly virus. The previous sero survey report had revealed that 23 per cent of Delhi’s population was affected by corona.

The ministry is of the view that with nearly 23 per cent population in Delhi suffering from Corona starting public transport like Metro would lead to a sharp increase in the number of cases as the virus would read even further. Home Ministry officials claim that Maharashtra Government too is expected to conduct a sero survey to analyse the spread of the disease. Both State Government have in the past requested the Home Ministry to restore partial services of the local trains for movement of essential staff.

“Not just Delhi and Mumbai but the entire country right now is at a very critical stage as far as spread of corona is concerned. So we need to take decisions related to movement of general public very very carefully. In the present situation and scenario it will not be advisable to start services of Metro or the Mumbai local trains,’’ a senior home ministry official said.

Officials however, added that the ministry was monitoring the situation very closely in other State also and wherever required some cities were going in for another round of lockdown. Home ministry has left these decisions to the local administration depending on the ground situation.