Mumbai: 17 months on, citizens get a ticket to board local trains

MUMBAI: Sunday’s reopening of local trains and malls, and relaxation in timings for restaurants, gyms, spas and salons brought welcome cheer to a city starved of travel, dining and shopping options during the pandemic.
The resumption of train services for fully vaccinated citizens brought freedom to working citizens who were waiting to board local trains for17 months. “I work at Sarvodaya shop in Ghatkopar and stay in Mumbra. Today I was able to travel by train which is the fastest mode of transport, cheap and comfortable. Besides, I can catch a train anytime early morning or late night now. This is a great gift on I-Day,” said Mohammed Iqbal, an employee.
The railways has announced 173 extra services— 99 on WR and 74 on CR—from Monday.
Restaurants reported a hearty 60% increase in business with several dine-in reservations for Sunday evening, and many more inquiries. This despite the fact that many Mumbaikars had headed out of town during the extended weekend. Malls welcomed few visitors, though, largely owing to the state’s mandate that all visitors must be fully vaccinated. Their associations have demanded that those who have taken a single dose be allowed to enter.
I-Day brings freedom of movement on lifeline; 173 more services start today
It was freedom at last for many Mumbaikars who were waiting to board local trains for long. On Sunday, which was also celebrated as 75th Independence Day, the railways allowed commuters with double vaccines (and 15 days thereafter) to board local trains. It also announced 173 additional services, 99 on Western Railway and 74 on Central Railway—from Monday to cater to the rush.
The number of monthly season passes issued on both CR and WR based on offline vaccination/online Universal pass crossed the 1-lakh markon Sunday; it touched 1.3 lakh.
The rush of passengers on day 1 of suburban trains reopening for the general public picked up gradually by afternoon after a lukewarm response in the morning. From shop workers, mall employees to those working in private firms and restaurants, there was sense of freedom to take the train. Some even put up messages on social media that ‘it was a great day for freedom’.
An office-goer who works on Sundays, said barring the occasional megablocks, train travel was always smooth journey during pre-pandemic times. “It is only after Covid-19 struck that I have been thinking twice before booking an expensive Uber ride or planning to take the BEST bus where waiting time is longer at stops,” said Girish Sawant, who travels from Santacruz to Lower Parel.
The commuter rush is expected to increase on Monday, the first working day for private firms, and furthermore on Tuesday when government staff, who have holiday on Monday (Parsi New Year), join in.
A section of commuters complained that the railways should also issue daily tickets. V K Srinivas, who was at waiting at the counter at Dadar station, said: “I need to go to a hospital in Vile Parle for a checkup for 2-3 days for which I will not require a pass. They should issue tickets instead of giving only monthly pass.”
Girijaprasad Dubey, a senior citizen, had the same grievance. “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 the railways issue daily tickets ?
With extra services starting Monday, WR will run a total 1,300 services, up from 1,201; and CR 1,686, up from 1,612. In pre-Covid times, WR ran 1,367 services and CR 1,774. Presently, WR and CR cumulatively carry 28 lakh passengers. Before the lockdown, 80 lakh passengers travelled on locals.