Students appearing for final year examination can travel by special suburban trains over Mumbai suburban network, the Central Railways said in a statement on Friday.

“With reference to the permission received from Ministry of Railways, Government of India, students appearing for final year exams and other competitive exams for advance studies, as approved by the Maharashtra government, are permitted to travel by special suburban services over Mumbai suburban network,” a statement posted on the Central Railways’ Twitter account read.

“Valid identity cards and hall tickets are authority for entry at the stations. Additional booking counters will be opened at important railway stations for convenience of them,” the statement added.

Also read | SC upholds UGC’s decision to hold final year exams by September 30

The railways urged others not to rush at stations. It also requested travellers to maintain “medical and social protocols mandated for COVID-19”.

Local train services in Mumbai have been suspended since the beginning of the coronavirus-induced lockdown in India.

The announcement comes a day before the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) are supposed to be held in the country. Earlier, the University Grants Commission (UGC) also directed states to conduct the final year examinations of students by September end. Mumbai University, however, will conduct the exams from October 1.

The West Bengal government has already announced special metro rail services in Kolkata for students appearing at NEET on September 13.