Amid a surge in the coronavirus cases and fearing of the second wave in the city, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, on November 21, has clarified that the decision to start Mumbai local train services for the general public will be further delayed.
While talking to media, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Chahal expressed his concern over the increase in the number of coronavirus patients in Mumbai. “The next three to four weeks will be very important for Mumbai. The situation will be reviewed after 3 to 4 weeks and only then a decision would be taken. However, no further restrictions will be imposed in the city.”
Meanwhile, two days ago, the railways have permitted the teaching and non-teaching staff to travel by the Mumbai local. However, the commuters will have to carry valid identity cards and students will have to carry the valid hall tickets for Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education Examinations. Moreover, this permission to travel by suburban services is valid only until December 10, 2020.
Also Read: Students, Teaching, and Non-Teaching staff in Mumbai can travel by local trains for the upcoming exams“
There were plans to reopen swimming pools, schools and railway services for general public soon after Diwali. However, due to an increase in the number of cases, it will remain closed until further notice,” explained Municipal Commissioner Chahal.
On November 20, the municipal commissioner had announced that the schools in Mumbai will remain shut till December 31, 2020. However, schools in other parts of Maharashtra can reopen on November 23, as directed by the state government. Schools in Mumbai along with the rest of Maharashtra were earlier scheduled to reopen from November 23.
Read more: Mumbai schools to remain shut till December 31
Apart from that, the reports were riff that the Maharashtra government was planning to curtail flights and train services from Delhi to Mumbai in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the national capital. Later, ministry of railways and civil aviation ministry clarified that no decision has been taken yet on suspension of any services.
Read here: No decision on suspending Mumbai-Delhi train service: Railway Ministry
As on Friday, November 20, the city witnessed a spike in the new cases for the third consecutive day. A total of 1,031 people had tested positive on the same day bringing the total count to 2, 73, 480.
Source: https://www.mumbailive.com/en/transport/mumbai-coronavirus-update-next-three-to-four-weeks-most-critical-58190
