In a recent survey conducted by M-indicator across 56,000 Mumbaikars, it was found that approximately 62% of them would prefer not to travel by Mumbai Locals for at least two to three months after trains resume service. The remaining 38% said they would travel by local trains immediately once they resume service.
62% Of Mumbaikars Will Not Travel By Mumbai Locals
Trains are the lifeline of Mumbai. And the resilient spirit of Mumbaikars is often seen on these locals where no matter what, and this includes bomb blasts and terror attacks, Mumbaikars have always returned to commuting by trains. But this time, for probably the first time – a majority of us are hesitating to get aboard that dheemi local. In a recent survey, conducted by popular train app M-indicator across 56,000 Mumbaikars, it was found that approximately 62% of them would prefer not to travel by Mumbai Locals for at least two to three months after trains resume service.
Sachin Teke, founder of the app, who worked on creating the poll said, “A public survey was conducted of over 50,000 commuters on May 27 to understand whether people would like travel by Mumbai’s local trains if the lockdown is lifted. At least 61 per cent of the people said they will not travel by local train at least for the next two to three months, even after trains restart.” He added that, “This survey helps to understand the mindset of the commuting public as of today.”
In these COVID-19 times, it honestly makes perfect sense that a majority of Mumbaikars are refusing to travel by train – atleast until things get better. As of today, Mumbai’s COVID infection count has crossed the 9000 mark and with the phase wise opening of the city that was announced by CM Uddhav Thackeray, the number is only expected to increase.
Our hospitals are full, the front line workers are overwhelmed and travelling by train and taking a risk in a time like this seems debatable. Social distancing in trains is virtually impossible, and as of now there is no system in place by the authorities to ensure this in trains.
Subodh Jain, former head of Central Railway, said, “Those who can work from home will certainly not like services to start as then they may have to go to their offices. The fact remains that the suburban services are the economic lifeline of Mumbai and will have to be restored for normalcy to return.”