MUMBAI: Daily Metro services on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (VAG) corridor will increase to 230 from 200 from Monday to keep up with rising ridership.
Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) restarted it services from October 2020 after a gap of almost seven months due to the Covid-19 pandemic-related lockdown imposed in March last year. By December, the daily ridership touched 50,000 and in one month around 20,000 more passengers were added.
An MMOPL official said, “As the ridership on weekdays is around 70,000, the number of services will be increased. Moreover, more entry and exit gates will be opened at stations to ensure a smooth flow of passengers.” The services will run at a frequency of 5 to 10 minutes.
From January 18, Mumbai Metro One will extend its operating hours too.
Now, the first train from Versova will leave at 7:50am and from Ghatkopar at 8:15am. Similarly, the last train from Ghatkopar will be scheduled at 10:15pm and from Versova 9:50pm. Earlier, services were from 8:30am to 8:30pm.
In addition, Mumbai Metro One will open the gates at both ends of Saki Naka, Marol Naka, Chakala/JB Nagar and Western Express Highway Metro stations. All stations will open 15 minutes before the scheduled departure of the first train.
According to Covid-19 norms, only 300 passengers are permitted to travel on each train. When services resumed, MMOPL had hoped to carry 60,000 people per day, and the target has been achieved.
The state government, though, has permitted just 30% of the workforce in private offices. Besides, private sector employees are still not permitted to travel by local trains. Sources said more people can commute to work if local trains are also opened for common citizens.
Housing ministry guidelines issued in September for Metro travel state only asymptomatic passengers are allowed in coaches and it is mandatory to wear masks at all times.