Hasty decision

Increasing the number of local train services from Friday is a hasty decision, driven more by compulsion than logic, which could boomerang, as we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Covid cases may have declined but the situation could rapidly reverse on Mumbai locals, where commuters scarcely have space to breathe. Why can’t services be resumed in a phased manner? Commuters under the age of 40, whose immunity is much greater should be allowed for starters, with WHO safety guidelines in place. Mumbai has the infrastructure to vaccinate a minimum of one lakh people each day, which can be increased over a period of time. The entire city could be vaccinated in under three months The US and Europe are witnessing a resurgence in cases. Travel by local trains will have to be monitored closely, so that a similar situation could be avoided in India.