On Independence Day, citizens rejoice with freedom to travel on Mumbai's lifeline

MUMBAI: It was freedom at last for many general citizens who were waiting to board local trains for 17 months.
On Sunday, which was also celebrated as 75th Independence Day, Railways allowed commuters with double vaccines (and 15 days thereafter) to board suburban trains.
It also announced 99 additional services on Western Railway and 74 additional on Central Railway -- a total of 173 extra train services on the suburban from Monday to cater to the rush of the general public.
The number of monthly season passes issued on Central and Western Railway based on offline vaccination / online Universal pass also crossed the 1-lakh mark on Sunday and was over 1.3 lakh, officials said.
WR will add 99 new services from Monday between Churchgate and Virar -- taking the total from 1201 to 1300. This will be close to the pre-Covid level of 1367 services. CR will add 74 services between CSMT and Panvel/Karjat/Kasara - taking the total from 1612 to 1686 services. During pre-Covid, it had 1774 services on its corridors.
On Sunday, people rejoiced and some even put up messages on social media that 'it was a great day for Freedom.' The freedom meant a lot for the lower middle class and those from far-flung suburbs, who were left stranded or had to go through harrowing times by road during Lockdown when they were denied train travel.
"I work at a shop in Ghatkopar and stay in Mumbra. Today, I was able to travel by train which is the fastest mode of transport and it is cheaper and comfortable. Besides, I can catch a train anytime early morning or late at night now. This is a great gift on I-Day," said Mohammed Iqbal, who works near Sarvodaya in Ghatkopar West.
An office-goer who works on Sundays said barring the occasional mega blocks, train travel was always a smooth journey every weekend during pre-pandemic times. "We never bothered about transportation. It is only after Covid-19 struck last year that I have been stuck at home and thinking twice before booking an expensive Uber ride or planning to take the BEST bus where the waiting time is longer at stops. Trains are any day better option," said Girish Sawant, who travels from Santacruz to Lower Parel.
Said Girijaprasad Dubey, a senior citizen, "I had planned to meet my relatives in Diva. I wanted a ticket for Rs 20 but ended up getting a monthly pass for Rs 215. I may not travel for more than 2-3 days in the next one month and this seems to be expensive travel for me. Why can't Railways issue daily tickets ?"