Lockdown: Mumbai wears deserted look – Times of India

MUMBAI: The effect of pan-India lockdown was completely visible in Mumbai on Thursday with deserted roads, empty railway platforms. Important business hubs and landmarks of the country’s financial capital saw fewer activities .
However, at places like locals markets, grocery stores and vegetable shops, police had a tough time in convincing people to follow social distancing. People were out in large numbers to shop for essential items.
Most of the vehicles visible on city roads were those involved in providing essential services.
“BEST and MSRTC operated 1,623 buses to transport those engaged in essential services from as far as Palghar, Badlapur and Panvel to Mumbai this morning. More than 4,300 BEST staffers, including drivers and conductors were deployed on special duties today,” said spokesperson Manoj Varade.
Petrol pumps serving only to vehicle on essential duties
Petrol pumps were open across Mumbai but they are mainly catering to vehicles involved in essential services, specially BMC vehicles and goods transport. These are not many and besides there is shortage of staff who are unable to come to the pumps due to the lockdown.
The pumps will remain open till 7pm.
Govt working out logistics for home delivery
State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that his department was mobilising teams for doorstep delivery of essential items, such as grocery, food and vegetables, like it was done in Wuhan, the epicentre of Covid-19 in China.
“We have instructed all districts to take measures towards this. Revenue and police teams have to ensure that essential items are supplied to housing societies or at some select points for individuals to collect them without crowding. The 21-day lockdown is a long period and we have to ensure that there is a smooth flow of the supplies,” he told TOI.

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