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A major power breakdown crippled Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of Thane, Raigad and Palghar on Monday owing to a grid failure, officis said here.
One of the distributor, BEST, said the power supply was "interrupted due to TATA's incoming electric supply failure" at around 10.15 a.m. The power breakdown hit the lifelines of Mumbai -- Central Railway and Western Railway -- with all local trains halting en route till Vasai and Diva.
Hapless commuters at many locations jumped down and started walking down to the nearest suburban railway station.
A BMC Spokesperson said the power outage was due to the Central Grid failure of the Tata Power at Kalwa, Thane, and restoration could take around an hour.
"In view of interruption in Traction power at 10.05 hours due to Grid failure of Tata Power company, services between Churchgate and Borivili are suspended. It shall be resumed as soon as traction power supply is restored," a WR Spokesperson Sumit Thakur said.
However, power supply, from MSETCL was available at Vasai Road and it has been extended to work essential suburban trains between Borivili to Virar section, he added. Efforts were also underway to start services in Churchgate-Borivali section. Commuters were requested not to panic and maintain social distancing.
The power failure had other impact like hitting water supply schedules, lifts getting stuck in some buildings, traffic signals leading to chaos on roads, etc.
With inputs from IANS
Mumbai corona cases at 2,25,073 as yet; residents can use GMaps to view containment zones
October 10, 2020
As of today, Maharashtra has reported 15,06,018 cases out of which, 2,36,493 are active and 12,29,339 people have battled the contagious coronavirus, successfully. The state has also reported 40,186 fatalities, so far. On the other hand, the capital city of the state has documented 22,5073 COVID victims till date and in the last 24 hours, 2,289 patients have been detected as infected. 1,89,224 sufferers have recuperated from the virus and in a better light, the number of recoveries are higher than the cases reported with 2,549 recoveries within a day's time. Mumbai has witnessed 9,777 expiries up till now.
<h2>Google Maps to assist citizens in terms of travelling safely</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDUwMzc4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTE0MDM1OH0.NXUfKI9-ICx_OqhJE5WcU9OKuD1SiudNJHz9BJi1mzA/img.jpg?width=980" id="03a90" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8d01e9f0d3c354960a19fe8aa95f3fa4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>To make the city safer for citizens, on Thursday, Google launched a new feature in the COVID-19 layer on Google Maps that displays the demarcation of containment zones in Mumbai. Google is working closely with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for sourcing the required information and the feature will be show regular updates pertaining to it. <br></p><p>Due to the Unlock 5.0 in place, citizens are moving around and businesses are emerging back on track. So an access to correct information about the COVID-19 containment zones is required and recommended by the authorities. This will further help the people to make better decisions as they travel within the city.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>A spokesperson of Google was quoted saying, "This new feature strengthens our commitment towards working closely with the government to disseminate helpful, authoritative, and relevant information for people during the pandemic."</p><p>Back in September, Google had announced a COVID-19 layer in Maps, globally, which enables users to also access state-level COVID-19 statistics. When a user zooms out to view an entire state, this new layer overlays the number of new COVID-19 cases (a seven-day average) indicated per 100,000 users, and the trend in the number of cases in that state.</p>
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Special AC trains announced by Central Railways to ease travel between Mumbai & Lucknow
October 10, 2020
The Central Railway authorities announced yesterday, that they will soon introduce a total of three new air conditioned trains. The bookings for these trains, which will become operational from October 15th, will begin from tomorrow itself.
<p>Of the three new trains introduced, two of the trains will run weekly while the other will make a bi-weekly visit to its destination. These trains are Lokmanya Tilak Terminus- Haridwar AC special bi-weekly (train no 02171 & 02172), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus- Lucknow AC special weekly (train no 02121 & 02122) and finally, Nagpur- Amritsar AC special weekly (train no 02025 & 02026).</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="3193383559" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><h2>Details of newly announced trains by Central Railways</h2>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGa2pmZHN1aWVtanZjeWEyMyUyRjAlMkYwJTJGNiUyRjYlMkYyNDA5MDY2JTJGMCUyRmltZzIwMTcwOTE1MTMwMjM0MzM4MDgzMC5qcGcmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzdC5pbmRpYXJhaWxpbmZvLmNvbSZzPTU1MCZoPTNjMjMxMDViMDkwMWUzNTlhY2U0ZTY2OTEyZjQ1NGFkYzNiMDUyOWMwMmIyYmM4N2FjODE0YTA2YmI2NDMxOWQmc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9NDExNDU0MTcyMiIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2NTQzOTE1Mzd9.NPvan0N7GtwwcX9AMXDYFoSgKXHrY23XMmAUXnhiISI/img.jpg" id="d58bf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f9825f1c2523330735d97da5577214d6">
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<p>For the convenience of passengers, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus- Haridwar AC special bi-weekly train will leave LTT every Monday and Thursday, starting October 15 and will reach its destination- Haridwar on the next day. The return train will leave Haridwar on each Tuesday and Friday from October 16, and will reach LTT on the next day.<br></p><p>As for trains 02121 & 02122 (LTT- Lucknow), they will be run on a weekly basis. Train no 02121 will ply every Saturday from LTT, starting October 17, 2020 and will reach Lucknow on the next day. As for the returning train, train no 02122, it will leave Lucknow every Sunday starting on October 18, 2020 and will arrive at LTT on the next day. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>Finally, we have the last new train, which is another weekly train- the Nagpur to Amritsar AC Special weekly. Train no 02025 will leave Nagpur every Saturday starting from October 17, 2020 and will reach its destination in Amritsar on the day after. Similarly, the returning train, train no 02026 will leave Amritsar every Monday from October 19, 2020 and will reach Nagpur within the next day.</p><p>The trains are being added in an effort to cut down the number of passengers in other trains. The more trains there are, the better the chances are of a safer and secure travel experience, which makes this move a much needed one. </p>
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Often hailed as the "Queen of Suburbs" in Mumbai, Bandra West offers a variety of things to be explored by tourists and locals alike. There are heritage homes, Instagrammy cafes, swanky restros, boutiques and so much more to indulge in. So recognizing the potential of the community thriving here, which is a fine balance of local culture, food and fun, Time Out has ranked Bandra West as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, in 2020.
<h2>Bandra West's Community Spirit like no other in India</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ3NDY5NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDU2NTk3N30.YtNIBtNl6-iz5XCcstwegNrqBUe-SehwqyaeHSuRQQs/img.jpg?width=980" id="06f83" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="722af08a00e9b266dd4aefcbbc496e2a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Esquerra de l'Eixample in Barcelona, has been ranked as number one on the same list as it has showcased an "incredible community spirit in 2020 with neighbourhood initiatives like the Hidrogel Sessions, in which neighbours organised mass dance parties on their balconies during lockdown." This locality is also a home to a number of vital gathering spaces, like the community-run Espai Germanetes Garden and independent businesses such as Odd Kiosk; which is the world's first LGBTQ+ magazine kiosk. <br></p><p><span></span>Every year, Time Out conducts a survey including thousands of people around the world to discover the world's coolest neighbourhoods. 2020's list has been put together with local opinions via the annual Time Out Index survey, spanning 38,000 global city residents. </p><h2>It is cool to be kind</h2><p><span></span>Time Out chalks out places that represent the spirit of the greatest cities around the globe. But this year, due to the pandemic at hand, they have added a new parameter to their usual ones- a neighbourhood's community spirit. Bandra West's ranking was followed by Arnavutköy, Istanbul and Banjar Nagi in Ubud.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>This entire list consists of a blend of people, innovative and inclusive food, drink, arts and culture, affordable rents and living costs. They have focused on the areas where "people, community and businesses have helped each other through shared tribulations; places that represent the soul of the city." </p><p><span></span>A statement by James Manning, Time Out's international editor, further states, "Consider this list a worldwide shout-out to the strength, spirit and resilience of city-dwellers."</p>
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Over the past few months, the IRCTC has been reviving train routes and trains which were rendered inoperable due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, after a long wait, the IRCTC will make their feature rich Tejas Express trains open for public while taking strict precautionary methods to curb the spread of the virus.
The Tejas Express trains, which were plying on Mumbai to Ahmedabad and Delhi to Lucknow route will be up and running starting 17 October, 2020. This comes as a major relief for frequent commuters.
<h2>Safe, high speed train travel between Mumbai to Ahmedabad and Delhi to Lucknow from October 17</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkZmbHktaW1hZ2VzJTJGOTg3NTExJTJGVGVqYXMtRXhwcmVzcy05MTZ4NTE2LmpwZWcmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZjZG4uYnVzaW5lc3N0cmF2ZWxsZXIuY29tJnM9NjU1Jmg9MTY5ZjkzYWU3MWU3ZjZjYmE0ZjMzMjI1NDlkZGZlODk1YjBmOGNlMDlkODI3YzI4NTc1NDliOGY1MjVhMTRmOSZzaXplPTk4MHgmYz0yMjg1MDIwNTI0IiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzcyNzU5NX0.Y7fbDRdtCeFHgdljQbyAXjg7QABW6O26IreAX-6BG1E/img.jpg" id="79815" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9103cbc987f337bc3ed1464ae4b48e3f">
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</p><p>Officials have stated that people will only sit on alternate seats, in an effort to practice social distancing. Apart from that, the trains will be sanitized thoroughly prior to and after each journey to ensure maximum safety of passengers on board.<br></p><p>On Tejas Express trains, all passengers will be provided with a COVID-19 protection kit, which will include a face mask, hand sanitizer, face shields and a pair of gloves. Additionally, each passenger will also undergo temperature checks and sanitization procedures before they are allowed to board the coach.</p><p>Furthermore, IRCTC officials confirmed that the train staff have been given proper training in case of an emergency and to deal with current sanitization trends. Passengers' luggage will also be disinfected by the staff prior to boarding. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><h2>Tejas Express will enable safe travels for all </h2><p><span></span>IRCTC officials have given several crucial reasons for reopening doors of Tejas express trains. While one of them is to facilitate quick, safe and convenient travel between the various cities, another one of the reasons is to cater to growing holiday season demand for trains. </p><p>If the demand for trains is too high, IRCTC officials will be unable to ensure precautionary measures on board trains. The reintroduction of Tejas trains will help ease out some of the passengers from other train routes. </p>
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A recent sero-survey of Mumbai revealed some new and insightful information regarding the COVID-19 infection trends in Mumbai. According to the survey, which was the second sero-survey in the city, those in the age group from 41-60 were the most likely to be infected with the virus.
<p>The survey was completed as part of a joint effort between BMC, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Niti Aayog. The findings of the second survey also suggest that the sero-prevalence is now at 33.4%, which is a decrease from the earlier 40%.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="3193383559" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><h2>Those in 41-60 age group were the most susceptible to COVID virus regardless of location</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.WFFLvcrmGgQHQ7UBL7_e_0jq1IcBWi3fTGCi45MtuZ8/img.jpg" id="6f3f4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0d833b1efe473abd32fcb9432f7ec74e">
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</p><p>Detailed findings published by TIFR show that out of 1,060 people aged 41-60 years surveyed in slums, 50.3% tested positive for antibodies against Covid-19. On the other hand, of 964 people in same age bracket surveyed in non-slums, 18.6% tested positive for the virus. <br></p><p>The report also highlights other age groups and different locations. Followed by the 41-60 bracket, next comes the age group between 12-24. At least 18.5% tested positive for Covid antibodies. Interestingly, there are higher cases in these ages among those living within gated colonies than there are in slums and other parts of the city.</p><p>This was followed by those aged 25-40 (16.6% exposure). Those aged above 60 years in non-slums remained the most protected and least exposed. Of those aged above 60 surveyed in non-slums, 13.2% were infected with antibodies.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>While that is the case for non-slum areas, slum areas are the stark opposite. Due to lack of precautions and overseeing of activities, the virus has spread fast and across all ages. </p><h2>Knock Knock</h2><p>As of now, the teams behind the surveys, along with a set of researchers and doctors are working towards improving the situation not only in urbanized parts of Mumbai, but in slums and other areas as well.</p>
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According to the 2nd serosurvey conducted last month, the spread of COVID-19 in Mumbai's slums have reportedly declined but the infection seems to be surging in the city's non-slum areas. The reports of the survey were released on Thursday and it included more than 5,000 residents, who were chosen on the basis of random sampling from 3 of the city's wards- R North (Dahisar), M West (Chembur) and F North (Sion-Matunga).
<h2>2,10,060 confirmed cases in Mumbai</h2><p>The reports also documented a 12% fall in the existence of COVID-19 antibodies from the samples of the slums. The presence of anti-bodies in blood samples indicate that a person has been exposed to an infection; in this case, specifically, the coronavirus. So going by this logic, it is being said that the infection spread in slums, may have come down. The survey did not count the people who are in institutional quarantine facilities and containment zones. According to the current reports, around 45% people were found to have covid antibodies as compared to the reports of 57%, during the first serosurvey. Chances of herd immunity is also nil, at this point.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="3193383559" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>The BMC was quoted saying, "Sero-positivity from the second round, taken together with the current number of reported cases from slum areas in these wards, indicates there could be a reduction in the spread of infection in slum areas." The release also mentioned that the sero-prevalence of COVID-19 infection in women was marginally higher than men in both the rounds. In the 2nd survey, sero-prevalence in the age group above 40 was slightly higher.</p><p>Furtehrmore, the BMC added, "Emerging scientific evidence hints at fall of antibody levels in recovered patients/asymptomatic patients over a period of time and this might have contributed to the trend between two rounds of sero-survey. The impact of this on immunity, if any, is still unknown."</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>As of today, Mumbai has reported 2,10,060 confirmed cases and 1,72,029 have recovered and gone back home. The city has also observed 9429 fatalities.</p><span></span><span></span>
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After a construction phase of 1.5 years, Mumbai's Bandra Station gets a new footbridge
October 06, 2020
Last week, the Western Railway (WR) authorities set up a new six-metre-wide foot over bridge (FOB) which amounted to a cost of approximately 5 crores, for the ease of commuters at Bandra station. In a statement, WR authorities mentioned, "This new FOB will be of great convenience to passengers as it connects all platforms of the station including east to west through MCGM Skywalk on the west side."
<p>The WR administration took to Twitter and stated, "New FOB commissioned at Bandra station enhancing convenience & safety of commuters. The six mtrs wide & 80 mtrs long FOB connects east to west & all PFs. Converting crisis into opportunity, six FOBs are opened since #lockdown on Mumbai Suburban, further strengthening the infra."</p>
<div id="87ea5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bcaee57f462d893f1b3cbb37581cdccb"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1310610638717083650" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">New FOB commissioned at Bandra station enhancing convenience & safety of commuters.
The six mtrs wide & 80 mtrs l… https://t.co/9p1JGkGdQG</div> — Western Railway (@Western Railway)<a href="https://twitter.com/WesternRly/statuses/1310610638717083650">1601308900.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>The CPRO of WR was quoted saying, "The new FOB is 80 meters long and its width is 6 meters. This FOB has been constructed at an approx. cost of Rs 5 crore. It is constructed at the place of Old Middle Truss FOB which was declared unsafe in the Audit report of the survey conducted by IIT Bombay. The work on this FOB was started after dismantling the old 4.5 m width FOB in April 2019."</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="3193383559" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>Sumit Thakur, the CPRO, further added that this footbridge is the most heavily used FOB at Bandra station as it connects all platforms including east to west through MCGM Skywalk on the west side. "Hence, this FOB has been constructed adjoining to the existing 6m wide FOB, and now with the commissioning of this FOB, the total width of middle FOBs in Bandra has become 12m which will also help in maintaining social distancing even in rush hours." The construction work of the FOB's, skywalks and road over bridges (ROB) were completed while the lockdown was at place and with limited manpower and other issues at hand. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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BEST to introduce 1,000 new buses, to look after the growing number of commuters in Mumbai
October 03, 2020
In an effort to ease out the burden of BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) in Mumbai, a total of 1,000 new buses will be added to their existing fleet. The new buses will be taken from the state owned Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) in order to provide commuters with more frequent rides.
<p>As of now, buses in Mumbai tend can be seen jam packed due to a shortage, which also acts as a hinderance for social distancing- a crucial aspect in fighting off the COVID-19 virus. With the help of the new buses, the passengers can expect some relief. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="3193383559" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><h2>Frequent commuters are unable to ride Mumbai local trains; new buses are the need of the hour</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDE5JTJGMDElMkY2NjEyNzA1NS1jbXMuanBnJmhvPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3Lmdyb3VuZHhlcm8uaW4mcz0zOTkmaD1mMDg3ZTg5OWQwYTc1NjA2MjBjZTgyYzQ2ZGYzNDBmYWUxZGUwNzc4ZmQ5ZGNlNGQ3NzdhODM3Y2NhODZiN2ZhJnNpemU9OTgweCZjPTQwMzU3ODE2MDUiLCJleHBpcmVzX2F0IjoxNjQ4NDc1MzkxfQ.Mh4nwJd9HjAQMGRU0vSbEfC9kXPHuYooE60bsWCnrKI/img.jpg" id="18cf8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d1be4f554cb8e9a2dfdec0456c5cbda4">
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</p><p>BEST provides public transport services to those in Mumbai via 3,000 buses. However, as local trains- the lifeline of Mumbai, are currently being operated only for essential services staff, the number of BEST's buses running at present are proving inadequate.<br></p><p>Not only that, the buses are unable to cope up with the sudden increase in the number of passengers, as many local frequenters are taking buses instead of the locals. Additionally, the buses are also quite risky, as more crowded areas have a higher chance of infecting citizens with the COVID-19 virus. </p><h2>Knock Knock</h2><p>With the addition of 1,000 new buses to the fleet, some of the current burden will be lifted off. As of now, the MSRTC has already handed over 200 new buses. If you are an essential worker and have to commute using buses, your commutes will surely be a lot safer going forward. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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Lockdown in Maharashtra extended till October 31; Mumbai embarks on 'Mission Begin Again'
October 01, 2020
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government issued an extension of the ongoing lockdown to contain the spread of the contagious coronavirus, till the 31st of October. Nevertheless, hotels, food courts, restaurants and bars will be allowed to remain functional with 50% capacity, from the 5th of October. According to reports, the Central Railway is planning on initiating 8 additional services in Mumbai, including two ladies special trains from the 1st of October, in an effort to minimize crowding.
<h2>20,5,268 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mumbai city</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1MjA2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzOTQ0NjU2NH0.fb4Z1T7hHXh1ta2tYFXLsQXgKz5BSNt0Iujs_FIazHU/img.jpg?width=980" id="b31df" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="99652ea3af8fd4f8075312f98fbd7157" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Coronavirus lockdown: Mumbai</small>
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PTI
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</p><p>Further, four of the new special trains will run on the main line, including two ladies specials, between CSMT-Kalyan stations while four services would run on Thane-Vashi Trans- harbour line. Along with all this, the <em>dabbawalahs</em> of Mumbai will be allowed to travel in local trains and other trains within the state of Maharashtra, with immediate effect. Moreover, the <em>dabbawalahs</em> need to procure QR code passes from the Mumbai police commissioner's office.</p><p><span></span>The government also issued major relaxations pertaining to businesses operations under the banner of "Mission Begin Again". The authorities have given permission to reopen restaurants and trains originating and terminating in the state, will be resumed. But it is to be noted that Mumbai's suburban train services will remain suspended. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>The state tourism department will soon be providing separate SOPs pertaining to necessary precautions to be undertaken while operating these businesses. Schools, colleges and other educational and coaching institutions will remain shut. Establishments like cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres in malls and market places, auditoriums, assembly halls will continuing enduring a halt.</p><p>In line with the relaxations of Unlock 5, all industrial and manufacturing units of non-essential items in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are now allowed to be in effect. The railways are said to increase the frequency of local trains in the MMR. The local trains in the Pune region too, will resume in tune with the protocols and procedures set for the MMR.</p><p>As of today, Maharashtra has reported 13,84,446 confirmed COVID-19 cases out of which, Mumbai has contributed 2,05,268 patients to the overall statistics. </p>
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Hotels & restaurants to reopen by the first week of October in Mumbai & other Maharashtra districts!
September 30, 2020
The Maharashtra Cabinet has permitted around 4 lakh hotels, bars, restaurants and eateries in the state, majorly set in Mumbai Metropolitan Region to resume functions at 50% of their capacity starting October. The decision is likely to affect around 60 lakh direct employees and 1.8 crore indirect employees involved in the hospitality sector, which has faced a major brunt of the almost 7-month long nationwide coronavirus lockdown and the consequent phased unlocking process.
<h2>The Unlock Relief</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
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</p><p>The state government has assured hospitality industry organisations and independent hoteliers and restauranteers that they can resume operations at 50% of their absolute potential in a meeting with the Chief Minister on Monday. The state has also emphasized on the establishment of a detailed standard operating procedure which will be drafted and finalised soon. Post the clearance of requisite permissions with the state, around 4 lakh establishments would be allowed to re-start operations from the first week of October, just ahead of the Navratri celebrations in Mumbai and other state districts.<br></p><p>This brings a wave of major relief to the entire hospitality sector that was struggling to operate at 40% capacity. Though many restaurant owners claim that 50% potential is also impractical to produce profits, owners have welcomed the relief as it will assist in paying their due overhead expenses over long business shut down, help increase the scope of employment which has been negligible for the last 7 months and also generate revenue for the Government. The state may also favour a concession or relief in the excise fee license for restaurants owing to the industry handicap in the last 6 months, as the CM has agreed to view the draft for the same with positive consideration.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1928181993792414" data-ad-slot="7448307427" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>The hospitality industry is a revenue-generating machine, especially with its excise and local license fees that rounds up to around ₹18000 crore in the state. The decision will impact the axillary industries associated with that of hospitality as well, producing a higher estimate of taxes and revenues.</p><h2>Is this a solution?</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDE5JTJGMDIlMkZzaHV0dGVyc3RvY2tfaG90ZWxfd29ya2VyLTEwMzh4NTc2LmpwZyZobz1odHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ob3RlbGllcmluYy5jb20mcz00OTcmaD0zMzkxMWQxMzkzMGNhNWY1NDAxMTQ5ZDkzMDU1ZjkyMjZjYWY4MWEzMzg2OTMwMjY3NDA4NzFjMTkwYmQwNDNkJnNpemU9OTgweCZjPTM5MTIwOTAzMzAiLCJleHBpcmVzX2F0IjoxNjYyMDYzNDQ3fQ.br5U-P2VKgDtIKCTF6ja8xckR5i4iaL0JqxdCRCGAw4/img.jpg" id="40369" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d8448209947e82d73be403b2475cd173">
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</p><p>Most hotels and restaurants are surviving at a diminished employee body along with serving potential; majorly operating through home deliveries. This lull and reduced labour force has been identified as a homogenous effect in the entire industry- be it small or large businesses. Most employees have returned to their native places and have refused to return till a specific and effective solution, that is a vaccine, is developed. The local staff that live in suburban regions are also facing commute issues as the local trains remain off the charts for them.</p><p>The hoteliers are now facing the issue of convincing their staff to return to work. This coupled with the government SOP that halves the serving potential, hotels and restaurants continue to remain in a state of acute trouble.</p>
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