In a major development in the ever-continuing Unlock process, the Western Railway (WR) on Tuesday announced the beginning of unreserved outstation trains for the first time since the lifting up of the lockdown began. Till now, only reserved trains had been plying to keep the number of travellers under control. However, cautious of the growing numbers in Maharashtra, the WR has restarted limited trains in the state. The Central Railway (CR) is yet to take the bold step.

“For the convenience of passengers, WR recently introduced several fully reserved special trains to various destinations, including passenger/diesel and mainline multiple unit special trains. Now, the Ministry of Railways has approved running a total of 33 special trains with 65 services as unreserved trains, instead of reserved special trains with effect from March 4,” a WR spokesperson said.