WR Press Release No. 2020/09 Mumbai, 19th Sept. 2020
WESTERN RAILWAY TO OPERATE 500 SPECIAL SUBURBAN SERVICES OVER ITS MUMBAI SUBURBAN SECTION W.E.F. 21st SEPTEMBER, 2020
Currently 350 special suburban services are being operated by Western Railway for Essential Services Staff as notified by Govt. of Maharashtra. In order to maintain social distancing and avoid over crowding, Western Railway has taken the decision to increase the number of daily special suburban services from 350 to 500 from Monday, 21st September, 2020. According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, out of the increased 150 services, 30 services during morning peak hours & 29 services during evening peak hours, have been increased for the convenience of the commuters. Shri Thakur stated that 74 services have been increased in Virar sector. Out of which, 37 services from Virar (34 fast & 3 slow) will be in up direction & 37 services towards Virar ( 34 fast & 3 slow ) will be in down direction. Similarly, 76 services have been increased in Borivali sector including 37 slow services towards Churchgate in up direction & 39 services ( 38 slow & 1 fast) towards Borivali in down direction. It's worth mentioning that after complete closure due to Covid19 lockdown since 23rd March, 2020, Western Railway on the request of Govt of Maharashtra, had commenced the selected services of special suburban trains from 15th June, 2020 on the Mumbai suburban section. The services were gradually increased for the convenience of passengers and to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing. Considering the present scenario of pandemic, the special suburban trains and stations over WR, are regularly sanitized & cleaned to upkeep proper hygiene. All commuters as permitted by Govt of Maharashtra, are requested by Western Railway to follow social distancing norms and wear mask, while travelling in special suburban trains. Nobody else should travel except specific Categories as permitted by Govt of Maharashtra. The break- up of these services in a separate table is also given as under :-