Mumbai local trains open for all: Time slots given not at all useful, say commuters

A TC checks the tickets of commuters at Ghatkopar station. Pic/Sameer Markande

On Monday, when all commuters were allowed on suburban trains with fixed time slots, mid-day visited Ghatkopar and Andheri stations which integrate with the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar metro corridor, to see the response and arrangements. While passengers were happy to board trains, the authorities had taken strict measures to avoid overcrowding before and during the time slots, when the general public was allowed on the trains.

On the Ghatkopar suburban railway bridge that connects to the Ghatkopar metro, more than 10 to 15 ticket checkers were present in the morning to make sure that only essential services staffers took the trains. There were separate entries and exits to prevent overcrowding. There was a little rush near the ticketing counter on the west side. When the services resumed, there was less crowd at the station and on the platform.

Pratiksha Gawandi, who travels to CSMT for work from Ghatkopar every day said, "The decision to start local trains which is the lifeline of Mumbai is a good one, but the time slots given to commuters are not at all useful. When the BEST buses and other modes of transport like taxis and autos are operational all the time, why is there a specific time slot only for trains? These slots are not at all going to help office goers and we will have to keep travelling by bus which is hectic and time-consuming."

‘Must understand seriousness'
Anuradha Chavan who travels between Ghatkopar and CSMT said, "I am happy with the arrangements made at the entry and exits of Ghatkopar station to prevent crowding. I think we, as responsible citizens, should understand the seriousness of the pandemic and follow the social distancing norms."

When this reporter visited the bridge at Andheri railway station which connects to the Andheri metro station, railway staff members and police were seen checking tickets to prevent overcrowding. At the Andheri station east ticketing window there was less crowd compared to the the west. The railway authorities and police made sure that all commuters entering the station were wearing masks.
Here too, before noon, TCs were present to allow only those part of essential services to enter the premises.

‘Allow services in mornings'
A commuter, Pradeep Shukla said, "I am extremely happy that finally after more than eight months I will be travelling by local train which is the most affordable and quickest mode of transport in Mumbai. The government should allow passengers to use the services in the mornings too."