Fully vaccinated people can avail Mumbai local trains from August 15

Mumbai's local train network will be open from August 15 to fully vaccinated people 14 days after their second jab. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that an app has been developed for the same and its details would be provided on Monday. On the app, those who are eligible will have to give the details of their vaccination. They will then be provided with a downloadable pass that will allow them to travel on the local trains.The train services were suspended for the public in April this year during the second wave of Covid-19. At present, only government employees and essential services staffers are allowed to travel in the local trains.

In his address to the state Thackeray said that we are providing some relaxations now but if cases go up, we will have to resort to lockdown again. So I appeal to you to not invite another wave of Covid. "Passengers who do not have a smartphone can take photo passes from municipal ward offices in the city as well as suburban railway stations. These passes are for local travel which will have QR codes so that the railway administration can verify their authenticity. I urge you not to allow anyone to obtain passes illegally. Get fully vaccinated and travel," he added.

The pressure on the state government to open up the local trains in Mumbai has been mounting. Even the Bombay High Court, during a PIL hearing on Thursday, asked the state government to consider allowing people who have recieved both doses to travel in local trains with passes. BJP also staged protests in Mumbai demanding resumption of local train services for vaccinated people in the city. Bhim Army activists staged a protest with the same demand earlier in July in Mumbai. However, CM Thakrey  also added, "The virus is still lurking around us and we should not be complacent. I understand that your patience is wearing off. But please don't lose patience." Places where Covid-19 numbers continue to be high will have to remain under restrictions, the chief minister said.