A day after the rumor spread that the state government may decide on opening local trains to all commuters after Christmas, senior officials clarified there are no such instant plans. Overcrowded trains could become Covid-19 "superspreaders" and controlling the number of commuters on locals is the biggest challenge before the state government now, officials said on Friday. Currently, only limited people are allowed to travel by local trains, including those engaged in essential services.
Aslam Shaikh, Maharashtra cabinet minister and guardian minister of Mumbai island city, said, "We want to start trains for all but slowly and thoughtfully. We will consider all aspects and take the opinion of our (Covid-19) task force team before making a decision."
Another senior government official said, "Trains carry multiple times more passengers than the total carrying capacity. We want to ensure only half the passengers are allowed than the capacity, which is difficult to implement and regulate."
BMC commissioner IS Chahal said it is in the hands of the state authorities to decide on restarting trains for all as it involves various municipal corporations and districts from where people travel to Mumbai on suburban trains. He clarified that there is no BMC plan to make any related request to the state government.
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