On Day 1 of unlock, Mumbai takes slow steps towards normalcy – Times of India

MUMBAI: A city accustomed to staying indoors since 2020 took it slow and steady on the first day of unlocking. Several stores selling non-essential items, gyms, salons and restaurants reopened for clientele, and obeyed the state’s call to roll down shutters at 4pm. But many other establishments remained closed, unwilling to risk the expenses of reopening without customers.
Public transport infrastructure failed to meet the challenge of the mini unlocking. There were long queues of frustrated passengers at BEST bus stops, especially at Sion and Borivli, as local trains remained off bounds for the common commuter. A BEST official said the rush was expected as the company owned fleet has been pared down by half, to less than 2,000 vehicles. Motorists reported congestion on the Eastern and Western Express Highways, Andheri east, Dadar and LBS Road.
Restaurants welcomed daytime diners after months of impersonal home delivery. “Around 20-25% restaurants and cafes opened with 50% capacity, registering 30-40% of the pre-Covid business. Many migrant workers are yet to return so most hotels kept dine-in facility closed. But this may improve soon,” said AHAR president Shivanand Shetty. However, HRAWI (Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India) senior VP Pradeep Shetty said only 15-18% restaurants reopened. He said they should be allowed to operate till 11 pm.
Fitness enthusiasts flocked to gyms. Ten people were working out at the Mumbai Cricket Association gym at BKC around 9 am, half the normal number, since government rules say they must operate at 50% capacity. “We were glad to be back for our fitness routine. The equipment was sanitised and the premises were clean. Afterwards we went for tea and snacks to a nearby restaurant, and there too, customers were enjoying their breakfast of omelette pav after many weeks. The city was clearly tired of being cooped up indoors,” Asad Ali, a member, said.
Bandra corporator Asif Zakaria pointed out a loophole in the new rules. While municipal parks, gardens and open grounds may be open only from 5-9 am, outdoor sports activity is allowed during those hours as well as from 6-9pm. “But where will people play outdoor sports if grounds and parks are shut in the evening?” he said.
In Navi Mumbai and Thane, shoppers flocked to malls, food courts and restaurants. Around 80% stores at Seawoods Grand Central Mall, Nerul, reopened Monday, clocking 6,000 footfalls. One customer was reported to have purchased items worth Rs 25,000 on day one itself. However, activists Rohitt Malhotra and Anarjit Chauhan urged NMMC to monitor violations of footfalls and closing timings. Wine shops in Vasai-Virar saw buyers who stood in orderly queues to secure their fix. Bar owners in Mira Bhayander were upset at being placed under the more stringent Level 3 guidelines. In Kalyan-Dombivli, there was a shopping spree for “non-essential” items like garments and footwear.
Bhavesh Maru, general secretary of Thane Vyapar Udyog Mahasangh received complaints of authorities enforcing shutdowns in Ghodbunder, Kalwa and Mumbra. The confusion was resolved after senior officers clarified.