The Maharashtra state government on Friday allowed ladies to travel in local trains starting October 17 (Saturday). The Secretary of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation department issed an order which stated that ladies will be allowed to board local trains during two-time slots during the day.
Sumit Thakur, CPRO of Western Railway on Monday said,"Maharashtra government requested the Railways on Oct 16 to allow local trains services for women, from 11 am to 3 pm & from 7 pm till end of services for the day. We wrote them back & asked them to assess quantum of passengers & asked them to jointly decide the modalities"
He further said,"We talked to them yesterday too. Railway is ready. Western Railways has extended its services to 700 trains, including 2 ladies' special. Central Railways also extended its services to 706. State govt is yet to convey their modalities to us"
"CR to add 225 suburban services to the existing 481, making it total 706 from 19.10.2020 for staff as notified by Government of Maharashtra and approved by Ministry of Railways," Central Railway CPRO said in a tweet.
“We have to ensure that there is no overcrowding at stations, the passengers don't face any problem, and that they are able to commute while following social distancing. The response of the government is awaited," Thakur said.