Maharashtra is slowly unlocking amid the covid-19 pandemic. And after permitting to open up cinema halls outside the containment zones from October 15, the government has now allowed Dabbawalas in Mumbai to use local trains. Dabbawalas can start using the local trains after obtaining QR codes from the office of the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. This new update is a part of the latest unlock guidelines in the state.
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Mumbai’s Dabbawalas Will Again Be Able To Operate In Full Capacity
When it comes to the new guidelines, hotels, food courts and bars will be allowed to operate with effect from October 5 with a capacity not exceeding 50 per cent or as may be prescribed by the local authorities.
Dabbawalas have been majorly affected due to the covid-91 pandemic. They had started operating without local trains and were unable to function in full capacity. And now after the latest guidelines, access to locals will let them resume their business with full function- Subhash Talekar, president of Mumbai Dabbawala Association said.
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Speaking about the Dabbawalas and their duty, Talekar further added,
“Dabbawalas are also part of essential services and they deliver food to Mumbaikars. And since most officers are now functioning with reduced capacity, people have been asking us to deliver their meals.”
Before The Lockdown Dabbawalas Delivered 2 Lakhs Tiffins Daily In Mumbai
Mumbai is a fast city, and there are more than 5,000 dabbawalas who deliver around two lakhs tiffins daily. They have been following the same routine from the past 130-years, but no one ever imagined that there would be a six-month break.
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With no tiffin services, dabbawalas were hit badly during the pandemic. And to make sure they manage for a few months, a lot of social organisations and volunteers supported them financially. Due to this, dabbawalas, who have been out of work, were given money and essentials during the lockdown period.