BMC to take call on permitting common people in Mumbai locals.

BMC to decide on operating local trains.

On Thursday, Mumbai Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal announced a rain check to rollout the verdict on permitting common people to travel by suburban local trains. Municipal Corporation postponed the decision after new year celebrations. The operations of Mumbai Locals were ceased in wake of the pandemic and have been momentarily resumed for certain sections of government officials, health workers or security services. He made this assertion in an interview with reporters after meeting actor Anupam Kher at the headquarters of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Coronavirus cases are falling day by day which is an optimistic indicator amidst depressing times. The current active cases count stands at 73,166 accounting to a total count of 18,64,348. So far, 17,42,491 patients have been recovered. The decreasing trend is urging the governments all over the country to lift up the shutters from daily lifelines like trains, metros, malls, eateries etc. On Wednesday, 4891 cases were recorded, taking the death toll of the day to 75. Mr Chahal added that the number of asymptomatic patients has increased.

At present, Mumbai's lifelines, local trains are running for people associated with essential services. In this context, the decision to allow common people to travel from locals will be contemplated after Christmas or New Year. Prior to lockdown, Mumbai locals were flooded with passengers to reach their destination on time. They have turned into the backbone of this busy city carrying people to their workplaces or desired locations. Being stuffed with travelers, locals have always witnessed an unbearable crowd which could have turned into a major source of transmission of virus amid this pandemic. So the city has to be cautious before opening the routes as Mumbai has been an epicenter of enormous covid cases for a long time.

The commissioner also expressed his concern over citizens' negligence on wearing masks and practicing social distancing. He alerted the inhabitants to follow the safety guidelines and protocol, or else, BMC will be forced to impose night curfews or halt major services in the city. He demanded people's cooperation.