Local train services in Mumbai will start
operating for the general public on January 1, Union Rail Minister Piyush Goyal
said on Friday, PTI reported.

Goyal further stated on Twitter that
the announcement came based on the Maharashtra Government’s previous
announcement earlier on Friday.

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The coronavirus pandemic severely
affected the local train since March 2020 in Mumbai, arguably the transportation
lifeline for millions in the western metropolis.

“I urge all of you to follow all
the necessary rules and guidelines related to Coronavirus during the journey.

Any kind of negligence can become a
problem for us and others as well. If you will be safe, then everyone traveling
with you will be safe,” PTI quoted Goyal as saying, whose recent
announcement further informed citizens that local trains would be available in
three time slots throughout the day: from the beginning of the day’s service to
7 am, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and 9:00 pm to the end of the day.

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There exist, however, restrictions
put in place by the government – one of which notes that the time slots between
7:00 am and 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm exist only for those who engaged
in essential services.

Goyal further urged citizens to follow
all necessary precautions  during their journey,
highlighting that problems arising for one person might turn into an issue for
all.