Maharashtra COVID-19 news: BIG updates on operations of Mumbai local trains

Amid rising coronavirus COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, it is likely that Maharashtra government may impose new restrictions on the operations of Mumbai local trains. 

Maharashtra's Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Vadettiwar says that local trains should be stopped or strict restrictions should be imposed and the state government is considering to take a decision in this reagrd. It is to be noted that despite lockdown-like restrictions in Mumbai, the local trains are still running up to their full capacity.

There is a mini-lockdown in Mumbai to curb the spread of the coronavirus. All shops are closed except for essential services. Malls, gyms, swimming polls, hotels, bars and religious places are also closed. Even private offices have been asked to shift to work from home mode. 

In Mumbai, 1200 passengers can travel in 12 coaches of local trains. According to the new guidelines, no passenger will be allowed to travel in standing position, but during the rush hours in the morning, the trains are often filled with passengers more than their capacity and no social distancing norms often go for a toss.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued an order allowing home delivery of food and essential supplies through online service providers 24 hours on all days of the week during the ongoing state-wide coronavirus-induced restrictions.

This comes a day after leading food-delivery services Zomato and Swiggy announced that they will stop delivering food after 8 PM as the Uddhav Thackeray-led government declared a night curfew in the entire state.