Mumbai Locals Are Now Being Disinfected In Lieu Of The Coronavirus

by Gizel Menezes
Mumbai Locals Are Now Being Disinfected In Lieu Of The Coronavirus

The Coronavirus scare has got the Indian Government working diligently, with the government taking maximum steps to ensure safety of its citizens and stop the advancement of the rapidly spreading virus. From banning all tourist visas to India till April 15, 2020, to shutting schools, cinema halls, gyms and restricting public gatherings in various parts of the country, the latest precaution measure by the Government is to disinfect trains, both long distance and short.

Image courtesy: Andheriwestshitposting

What Efforts Are Being Undertaken To Curb The Spread Of The Virus In The Mumbai Locals?

The locals, which literally form the backbone of Mumbai carrying more than 7.5 million commuters daily, are finally being sanitised in a bid to control the virus. Special efforts are being put in to ensure cleanliness and hygiene on all passenger interface areas and components in coaches like door handles, side handles, grab handles, seats, windows, partitions, etc. In long distance trains, disinfection of toilets and wash basins is also being ensured.

If you’re one of the millions who rely heavily on local trains for your daily commute to work or otherwise, you already know how the local trains could be one of the deadliest ways to contract the virus and allow its widespread.  The Mumbai locals, which are known to carry commuters 2.6 times more than its capacity, are (in)famous for people breathing down each other’s necks, literally. One person infected by the virus travelling on a local train in Mumbai can potentially infect millions. Phew, just thinking of the graveness of this issue is giving us chills!

Also Read: Maharashtra Government Shuts Gyms And Swimming Pools In 5 Districts Due to Coronavirus

Image Courtesy: Deccan Herald

Is Working From Home An Option For Mumbaikars?

And if you’re one of those lucky people who can afford the luxury of working from home and avoiding travel, Mumbai as a city cannot stop functioning due to its high working class population and daily wage earners, who mostly belong to marginalised caste group and who’s primary mode of transport is the Local Train!

Given the severity of the virus and its ability to spread widely and quickly, this seems like one of the wisest and most pressing things to do to avoid a public health emergency.

The number of infected individuals in India now stands at 83, with 2 deaths. There are around 17 cases in Maharashtra and the State Government has declared the Coronavirus as an epidemic.

Also Read: Coronavirus Scare: Last Minute Air Fares Drop, Return Fare From Delhi To Mumbai Costs ₹5,000